New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade

“New Zealand is ‘of’ and ‘with’ the Pacific, connected not only by the ocean but our shared geographical, historical and cultural bonds. Our collective resilience is deeply intertwined with our #Pacific brothers and sisters.” New Zealand is a proud long-standing partner of education in the Pacific and supporters of the UNESCO GEM Report, Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and The University of the South Pacific USP. Ngā mihi nui to MFAT’s Dr. Helen Leslie (United Nations, Human Rights and Commonwealth Unit Manager) for representing New Zealand at the #CHOGM2024 Commonwealth of Learning side event. She talked about the importance of international development support to advance education for resilience in the Pacific. The event also saw the launch of the Global Monitoring Report on technology in education in the Pacific. Learn more here ➡ https://lnkd.in/g5FrQcpy

MFAT and New Zealand Red Cross are attending the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement this week. We reaffirm our collective commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and the importance of prioritising humanitarian response in the face of armed conflicts across the globe. Follow New Zealand Red Cross for live updates at the conference, and read more about international humanitarian law here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/djcq7ux3

The European Union 🇪🇺 has adopted a new directive on corporate sustainability due diligence – part of a package aimed at increasing transparency and action on climate, the environment, and wider sustainability in business, finance and investment. 🌱➡️ https://lnkd.in/gRaDu_dS

Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon had the opportunity to visit the Manawanui response team in Apia, where he sincerely thanked the New Zealand personnel – separate from the hundreds of defence, police and health personnel here to support Samoa’s hosting of #CHOGM2024 – for their monumental efforts. “We have seen the best of New Zealand I think, through our service people who have been on the ground here immediately from when the accident happened and doing an incredible job." During CHOGM, New Zealand continues to monitor the marine environment, the vessel and the shoreline on a daily basis.

Did you know that 16 percent of the world's population – equivalent to 1.3 billion people – experiences some form of disability? This week, New Zealand partnered with The Commonwealth Secretariat to host a #CHOGM2024 side event highlighting the importance of promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Discussions were focused on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) which sets out the fundamental human rights of persons with disabilities, and the need to raise awareness and strengthen its implementation. A talented team of panelists shared their own experiences alongside attendees, recognising that countries are at different stages of awareness raising and education. Fa’afetai lava – a big thank you to all attendees, ComSec, Pacific Disability Forum, Nuanua o le Alofa and the New Zealand Human Rights Commission for your support in bringing this important event to life.

Today is #UnitedNationsDay 🇺🇳 the day when in 1945 the UN Charter entered into force. New Zealand 🇳🇿 is proud to have been a founding member of the UN https://lnkd.in/eXXhDCx #multilateralismmatters

Day 2 of #CHOGM2024 saw MFAT’s Angela Hassan-Sharp (United Nations, Human Rights and Commonwealth Divisional Manager) taking part in a panel discussion at the Women’s Forum. Forum participants got to hear from a panel of powerful wāhine on how to effectively tackle common problems faced by women and girls from different backgrounds. The principle of “leaving no one behind” is central to all UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 5 on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. It also echoes the core message of the UN Declaration of Human Rights: “All persons are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Other panel members were Dame Carol Black, the Commonwealth Special Envoy for Ageing Better 🇬🇧, Providence Umurungi, Chairperson for the Rwanda National Commission for Human Rights 🇷🇼, and Sovaia Sisi, Gender Lead for the Pacific Disability Forum 🇫🇯. Fa'amalo (well done) to all involved!

New Zealand 🇳🇿 and the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement, which will unlock economic opportunities for Kiwi exporters and create stronger supply chains with one of our most important trading partners in the Gulf region. 🤝 This agreement was concluded in just over four months following the launch of negotiations on 7 May this year, making this New Zealand’s fastest-ever trade agreement negotiation, and the most trade liberalising of any of the UAE’s CEPAs to date. The UAE is a key export destination and trade hub in the Gulf region. In the year to June 2024, two-way trade with the UAE was valued at NZ$1.3 billion making it one of our largest markets in the Middle East, and a top 20 export market overall. In addition to removing tariffs, the CEPA includes new commitments which will provide greater certainty for New Zealand services exporters when operating in the UAE. Find out more about how this Agreement will benefit businesses ➡️ www.mfat.govt.nz/nzuaecepa

The latest edition of the weekly global trade and economic update for New Zealand businesses has been published. 🌎 - Minister McClay to attend G20 this week - New Zealand takes next step in dairy dispute with Canada - Inflation subsides to 2.2% during third quarter Read the full report here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gnnUwC2C

Trouble in Paradise: Climate Change in the Pacific 🌊📸 NZ High Commissioner to Samoa H.E Si'alei Van Toor and Deputy High Commissioner Lavea’i Ioane attended the official opening of the ‘Trouble in Paradise’ exhibition at the Museum of Samoa - Samoa Culture and Arts Centre. An official #CHOGM2024 side event, the exhibition features 25 striking images that together weave a powerful story of climate change and inspiring resilience by the tagata o le Pasefika – the people of the Pacific – confronting the reality of our changing world. They joined British Council Director Natasha Beckman, Samoa Prime Minister Rt Hon Fiame Mata'afa, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, and more at the opening. New Zealand is proud to support this important project. Just as a basket relies on its weave for its strength, our climate future depends on countries acting together to raise awareness about the climate crisis and take action. British Council New Zealand, UK in Samoa, Auckland University of Technology, UK in New Zealand