UN Peacekeepers Ceremony 2025

We invite you to join us in commemorating the annual United Nations Peacekeepers Ceremony, which honours 78 years of service and sacrifice by Australian Peacekeepers. We look forward to your participation in this meaningful commemoration.

This ceremony pays tribute to the more than 65,000 Australians who have served in peacekeeping operations and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice or returned profoundly impacted by their service. We are honoured to have Ms. Leanne Smith—an esteemed international human rights lawyer, former UN Peacekeeper, and Australian diplomat—deliver the reflection.

Program

• Performance - The Pipes and Drums National Servicemen Memorial Band

• Arrival and Registration of Guests
  

• MC: John Fowler

• UNAAQ President opens - Ms Claire Moore

• Welcome from Peacekeeping Association

• National Anthem - The Pipes and Drums National Servicemen Memorial Band

• Prayer for Peace - The Very Reverend Dr Peter Catt Dean St John’s Cathedral
  
  

• UNAA President Welcomes - Dr Donnell Davis

• Griffith University Senior Lecturer Ms Helen Berents

• United Nations Secretary General Message - Hannah Croft

• Qld Governor Honorary Aide de Camp, Flight Lieutenant Adam Lo OAM

• Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor Scott Harrison

• Reflection - Ms Leanne Smith, Chief Executive of the Australian Human Rights Commission

• Cultural performance - Fijian Community Group

• The Ode - UN Peacekeeper Association representative

• Last post - SQNLDR Steve Finch, OAM

• Final band performance

• Final remarks - MC John Fowler

• Morning tea kindly provided by QLD Country Women's Association (CWA)

About UNAAQ
Established in 1946, the United Nations Association of Australia is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to a future where the United Nations can be more effective—because more Australians are engaged global citizens, committed to upholding the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, a milestone we are proud to celebrate.

** Youtube streaming link on the day: https://www.youtube.com/live/1QzSssCznFU

• No March for this event

• Cost: Free, but registrations essential for in-person attendance

• Please support the work we do by becoming a member!