I have been in the United Nations General Assembly (GA) this week listening to Foreign Ministers’ of Member States give their annual address. I have to say that I don’t think that I’d ever get sick of it. Just to witness these people – people of enormous stature in their own countries – address such an esteemed forum is little bit surreal. You get the feeling that these are some of the biggest speeches that these Foreign Minister’s ever give in their careers. To listen is just fascinating; and to be a part of that, is very, very special.

As I said earlier, most speeches seem to be a stage for countries to talk about their domestic issues. I am now a full bottle on Turkmenistan’s railway system and the island interests of Saint Lucia.

Likewise, nearly every speech discusses their country’s support for the urgent need for UN reform to make it a revitalised force in a changing world. It is so inspiring to see all these countries believing in the United Nations, and believing that it will continue to be a force in the future. It makes you feel so hopeful. I think the trick is turning this hope and belief into actuality.

I should explain that there are 191 member states of the United Nations. Every country has what they call a ‘Permanent Mission to the United Nations’. That means that all 191 countries permanently have people in New York during the entire year to attend meetings of other functions of the UN that sit all year around. During the GA (Sept – Nov every year) these permanent missions usually bring in extra people (like me) to help with the increased workload. The diplomats from the various permanent missions’ are called the country’s ‘delegation’ to the United Nations.

There are 2 sessions per day in the General Assembly: 10am – 1pm, and 3pm – 6pm (although it ALWAYS runs much later). Most sessions are about half full – which means that only about 80 countries send members of their UN delegation to listen to the addresses.

This is because many countries don’t have large delegations to the United Nations. Countries like Palau and Fiji may only have 2, 3 or 4 diplomats in New York, and –with all the other goings-on at the UN - it is sometimes physically impossible for them to always have someone present at the General Assembly. I also assume that some other countries don’t feel it important to listen to the speeches of the various delegations (for the reasons listed in the last diary entry). The Australian delegation ensures that we always have someone present in the GA to listen.

It’s just like you imagine it. Members of each country’s delegation sit in a semi-circle, behind a placard with their country’s name on it in a massive, beautifully lit room. Nearly all delegates, regardless of their nationality, wear Western style suits and dress. I found that a bit dissappointing - but that’s the way it seems to be.

It’s also true that every seat in the GA, and indeed throughout the entire UN building, has the translation ear-pieces. Yes, I did wear one! And yes, it IS COOL!!!! It’s just a piece of plastic that fits over your ear, and you fiddle with a channel switch to listen to which one of the 6 UN languages you speak (Arabic, English, French, Russian, Spanish, Chinese). I played it all cool and worked out how to use it, but inside I was doing cartwheels.

I must say, however, the ear-pieces are not utilized hugely, as nearly every delegate speaks about 4 languages. It puts us Aussies to shame.

I have also been in training this week for working in the 3rd Committee to the General Assembly. There are 6 committees to the General Assembly. I will explain about the committees at a later date, but the basic deal is that they do most of the behind the scenes negotiation for the General Assembly. The 3rd Committee covers social, humanitarian and cultural issues.

If you’re keen to learn more about the functioning of the UN, then check out the United Nations Youth Association of Australia.

I must mention that my only regret of being here is that I wasn’t able to get to the Grand final to see the West Coast Eagles play. I’ve been waiting 11 years for this. I did end up seeing the match live though (after MUCH investigating). It started at 12:30 am New York time – and what a match! I screamed myself hoarse, wearing all my Eagles regalia. A devastating loss, but I think it gives us something to play for next year. With Benny C winning the Brownlow, Kerry coming second, and Juddy winning the Norm Smith, if we won the Premiership, we wouldn’t have anything to play for next season. It’s actually really good judgment by the Eagles. At least, that’s how I’m justifying it to myself.

It was a bit bizarre to see all these Aussies going bananas for a game being played live so far away. It was even more bizarre to step out at 4:30am in the town that never sleeps, to see so many people totally unaware of the incredible and emotional game that we just witnessed. Life just goes on, doesn’t it.