Many of the every day activities we take for granted rely on global cooperation.
Our environment
The state of the environment and the
health of our planet are major concerns
for Kiwis, especially youth. Global issues
like climate change or sustainably
managing our oceans cross national
boundaries, making international
cooperation and action the best - and
probably only viable - approach.
Postal services
Families can stay in touch wherever
they are in the world thanks to
international cooperation on postal
services, rules, and networks.
This universal network of services is
enabled by one of the world’s oldest
international organisations – the
Universal Postal Union established
in 1874.
Safe travel
Kiwis love to travel and the Big OE (overseas experience) is a rite of passage for many. Multilateral agreements underpin airline connections, safe skies, and the ability
of embassies to provide assistance to their citizens. ICAO is a specialised agency of the
UN for international civil aviation under
which countries co-operate to provide safe, secure and efficient global air transport.
If people get into trouble overseas, treaties
like the Vienna Convention enable
governments to help their citizens requiring consular assistance in other countries.
Humanitarian
assistance
New Zealanders are generous donors
of time, expertise and money to
international aid efforts, such as those
led by the world’s largest humanitarian
network Red Cross and Red Crescent.
We in turn receive help when we need
it – such as our soldiers during the two
world wars or, more recently, following
natural disasters such as the Canterbury
earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.
Workers’ rights
Since 1919 the ILO has brought together
governments, employers and workers of
187 countries to set labour standards,
develop policies, and devise programmes
promoting decent work for all.
Microfinance for
migrants’ families
back home
Nearly 3 billion people in developing
countries have little or no access to
formal financial services that can help
them increase their incomes and improve
their lives. Multilateral organisations
like the World Bank Group provides access
to a range of microfinance services — loans, micro-insurance, and money transfers.
This enables people to invest in enterprise
that improve their livelihood and well-being.
Copyright
protection
New Zealanders are famous for our inventiveness, innovation, and
creativity. A range of international
agreements and organisations such
as the World Intellectual Property
Organization help creators of literary
and artistic works or trade-related
intellectual property protect their
rights and realise the benefits of IP.
Trade access
Our farmers and many other businesses rely
on export markets to sell their products and
services and make a living. Belonging to multilateral institutions like the WTO means New Zealanders benefit from its trade rules, market access, and negotiating heft, and helps settle disputes between trade partners.
Health
In a globally-connected world, all
countries rely on international health programmes and organisations that
promote health, and provide information
and cooperation that keeps us safe from preventable diseases and illness.
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