UQ building links with UN

Australia’s permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) and Committee for Disarmament, His Excellency Mr Peter Woolcott, recently visited The University of Queensland’s (UQ) School of Political Science and International Studies.

Mr Woolcott discussed Australia’s international agenda and relationship with the UN, as well as internship opportunities for UQ students.

Based in Geneva, the role of the permanent missions covers portfolios including human rights, health, migration/refugees, environment, labour issues and disarmament.

Head of the School of Political Science and International Studies, Professor Gillian Whitehouse, said staff in the School had the opportunity to present to the Ambassador a snap-shot of their research efforts as they relate to the UN.

“UQ academics have considerable research strengths in many of the UN’s priority areas,” Professor Whitehouse said.

“This expertise is a valuable resource for our students, especially if they are considering a career in international policy, such as with the UN, and we have now had a personal invitation from Mr Woolcott for our students to apply for internships in his office.”

Associate Professor Kath Gelber updated Mr Woolcott on her recent trip to Bangkok in early July where she was invited to participate as an expert at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Workshop for the Asia-Pacific. She was the only Australian expert invited to participate.

Mr Woolcott was also interested to hear from Professor Tim Dunne about the important research being undertaken at the Asia Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect.

Dr Phil Orchard lecturer in International Relations and Peace and Conflict Studies spoke about his research on the displacement of people around the globe and resulting humanitarian crises and Dr Marianne Hanson spoke to the Ambassador about her research on the issue of disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation.

Applications for the 2012 UN internship intake are open from 1-31 October 2011. For more information about internship opportunities visit the Permanent Missions and Consulate-General’s website.

Read about research activity in the School of Political Science and International Studies online.