Australia's globalisation challenge

• That globalisation can only help to end poverty if equity and sustainability are given the same priority as economic growth. Without reform and regulation of international economic and financial policies and practices, the benefits that do flow from globalisation are unsustainable. A humane global balance sheet must be based on the principle that economics should benefit society, not vice versa.

• That we in Australia can help change the course of globalisation for the better. As a foundation member of the United Nations, Australia had until recently a proud record as an active and constructive member. As a leading member of the Commonwealth, Australia has important relationships with developing nations in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Caribbean. And as a key member of the World Trade Organisation, Australia plays a key role in international trade negotiations. We have also played a critical role in bringing together developed and developing countries through gatherings like the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) and South Pacific Forums. As a stable parliamentary democracy and a relatively successful multicultural society, Australia has many experiences to contribute to the achievement of global stability. Australia is a rich country – per capita, one of the richest in the world – yet the majority of the world's poor live on our doorstep. The standard of living taken for granted by many Australians is beyond the wildest dreams of ordinary people in our neighbouring countries.

A series of key principles should guide Australian policy-makers to ensure that more people throughout the world can be able to enjoy their basic rights to shelter, education, food, water, health care, a say in their future, a safe and sustainable environment and freedom from violence.

One of the key objectives of a new form of globalisation should be the achievement of human rights for all as expressed through the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Both the Australian government and our private sector can play an important role in achieving this objective. Through our aid program, foreign policy and trade policy, Australia also has an obligation to ensure that the international community meets the international development goals.

Australia must do all it can – internationally and nationally – to narrow the gap between rich and poor countries, and rich and poor people. Gross disparities of wealth and income are both morally indefensible and lead to an unsafe and volatile world.

Freedom from the threat of violence is a basic right for every man, woman and child. The pursuit of global and country-by-country peace and security needs to be central to Australia’s international policies for achieving a socially just world. Australia must support measures to alleviate violence through our overseas aid program, as well as diplomatic and disarmament efforts in our region and on the international stage.

We are all responsible for preserving the world’s environment. However, wealthy countries like Australia have an extra responsibility, not only because we consume more scarce resources and have greater environmental impact – per capita we produce more greenhouse-producing gases than any other nation – but also because we have the technology and expertise to develop sustainable alternatives.

Australia must do all it can to promote ordinary people’s participation in decision-making, from supporting local initiatives at home and abroad – for example, the 1999 ballot on self-determination in East Timor – to taking part and supporting people’s participation in international forums.