Helen Clark's Diary - July/August
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AIDS
“Global Health is a Matter of Global Politics” Speech
I was honoured to speak at the International AIDS conference in Munich on “Global Health is a Matter of Global Politics”. The many crises our world is facing impact on our work to end AIDS as a threat to public health and individual wellbeing. We need new champions, new modes of financing, and improved access to the innovative treatments now available. And the range of social determinants, including stigma, discrimination, repression, and marginalisation must be addressed.
Women’s Children’s and Adolescents’ Health
33rd PMNCH Board Meeting
The photo is taken at the World Health Organisation in Geneva with the Board and staff of PMNCH during our meeting at the beginning of July. There was enthusiasm for increasing our advocacy on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, reducing maternal and child mortality and stillbirths, and advocating for adolescent health and wellbeing. This was the first Board meeting for the new Exec Director, Rajat Khosla.
WHO
WHO DG Meeting
I touched base with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva. I commended Tedros on his tremendous leadership and the emphasis on protecting civilians, health workers and facilities during conflicts - these should never be targets. UNSCR2286 specifically condemns attacks on health personnel.
GCDP and AHPSR meetings in Geneva
In July I also chaired meetings of two other Geneva-based organisations whose boards I chair – the Global Commission on Drug Policy, and the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research (AHPSR). I also visited a harm reduction initiative in Geneva for people who use drugs. Situated at the rear of the main station, it offers a safe consumption space and a place for the homeless to sleep. It is supported by local government and it saves lives. Many more of these are needed globally.
WOMEN’s LEADERSHIP
Women in Leadership Summit
I visited Canberra for the Women in Leadership Summit at the end of August; a wonderful convening of women with excellent engagement with speakers and panels. Theresa May, Julia Gillard, and I each had a session. Thanks to The Hatchery for bringing us together.
GLOBAL TAX STANDARD
Former heads of state and government call on President Biden and fellow G20 leaders to back global deal to tax the ultra-rich
We, former Heads of State and Government of G20 including me, former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet, former Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven, former Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gilliard, former Prime Minister of France Dominique de Villepin and former President of Spain José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero have written a letter to current G20 leaders —including US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in support of the Brazilian Government’s G20 proposal for new global deal to tax the ultra-rich.
DRUG POLICY
OP ED: The war on drugs has failed
The criminalisation of people who use drugs leads to over-incarceration, human rights abuses, stigma, and discrimination. We can’t end AIDS while war on drugs continues. See my reel on op ed written by Elton John and me.
ISRAEL/GAZA WAR
“Israel’s settlement policies break international law, court finds”
“Thorough, detailed and all encompassing, the ICJ advisory ruling on the illegality of Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory and settlement building represents a stark refutation of Israel’s claims, and will have a profound impact for years to come”: The Guardian.
China
China's growing green economy
"More than half of the world's electric vehicles run on Chinese roads according to the International Energy Agency”and the country "has nearly twice as much wind and solar power under construction as rest of world combined." Newsroom.
NEW ZEALAND
Q+A Interview: “AUKUS: Possible NZ entry would provoke more than deter”
Australian National University Emeritus Professor Hugh White on Q+A spells out the implications of signing up to AUKUS pillars - it signals support for the US’ vision of its future role in Asia and its approach to China. Relations between the two have been abrasive for some time now.
Prime Ministers issue a joint statement
There is an ongoing campaign to talk up AUKUS as something in New Zealand’s interests - which it isn’t: “Prime Ministers discussed the AUKUS trilateral partnership and affirmed it was an initiative which would enhance regional security and stability. They acknowledged New Zealand’s interest in exploring potential collaboration on advanced capability projects under AUKUS Pillar II.” The more one reads the statement, the more one fears for NZ’s independent foreign policy. The selective perception of international law is a concern; no reference was made for example to the landmark ICJ decision on the illegality of Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian Territory.
Statement on NZ Government jeopardising NZ's independent foreign policy and economic security
In an interview published in the Financial Times on 15 July, the New Zealand Prime Minister made statements which amount to a radical change in NZ’s foreign policy positioning, and which have major implications for trade, defence deployments, and public spending. Below is the statement of deep concern issued by Dr Don Brash and me.
You can also listen to my RNZ INTERVIEW
New Zealand's role in critical minerals for the energy transition
An interesting report on critical minerals for energy transition: does New Zealand have a role to play? Environmental and community concerns must be considered; also in play will be whether New Zealand has the scale of resources making extraction economic, and the speed of the energy transition.
A Team of Five Million?: The 2020 ‘Covid-19′ New Zealand General Election
A new book published on 2020 New Zealand election and its aftermath looks like a must read. It explores the creation and then the fraying of the “team of 5 million” and the flowing polarisation of New Zealand politics. Good summary in The New Zealand Herald.
RIP Janet Mackey: a champion for regional New Zealand and a unique voice in Parliament
RIP Janet Mackey, Labour MP for Gisborne and successor electorates from 1993-2005. Janet brought an authentic voice from regional New Zealand to Parliament on how policy impacted small and far flung communities. She was also a character as her valedictory speech shows. The Gisborne Herald.
See also this obituary page for Janet where messages can be posted for family.
THE LATEST FROM THE HELEN CLARK FOUNDATION
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REPORT Shining a Light: Improving transparency in New Zealand’s political and governance system
Weak systems and regulations are reducing New Zealanders' faith in the integrity of government. "Shining a Light" is our latest report in which author, Philippa Yasbek sets out how basic reforms to lobbying, and political donations could improve trust and confidence. Watch the author in an Q+A with Jack Tame.
Please join us on 2 October, 12 PM NZT for an insightful webinar on the growing perception of corruption in New Zealand’s political and governance systems. Register now – it’s free!
WEBINAR RECORDING: The 2024 US presidential election race and its global implications
November 2024’s presidential election in the United States represents a significant moment not just for the US but for the wider international system. Depending on the results, the US could pursue very different policies on issues ranging from climate change, to geopolitical competition, to global health, AI and trade.
On 13 August we had a fascinating discussion about the implications of the US presidential election race with Derek Shearer, Chevalier Professor of Diplomacy and World Affairs, and Bruce Stokes, Visiting Senior Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
WEBINAR RECORDING: Bridging the Infrastructure Gap
We held a webinar to discuss the key findings from our latest report with WSP NZ, titled “Bridging the Infrastructure Gap: Insights into Funding and Financing Tools for Aotearoa New Zealand’s Infrastructure.” The webinar provided an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities in closing the infrastructure gap in New Zealand, focusing on innovative funding and financing solutions tailored to the country’s unique needs.
If you don't have time to watch the webinar or read the full 180 pages of the new report, here's the author summarising the findings in under 90 seconds - enjoy! Watch Kali Mercier’s summary.
Want more than a 90-second summary?