Helen Clark's Diary, 2 September
current issues
Mikhail Gorbachev
“Without doubt, Mikhail Gorbachev was one of the most significant leaders of our times. He fostered détente between great powers, and began change processes which enabled democratic transitions in a number of former Soviet Republics and in the Warsaw Pact region.”
Steve Chadwick
“After 12 years as an MP and nine year as Mayor of Rotorua, Steve Chadwick is retiring from electoral politics. Steve made a major contribution to my government as an MP and Minister, and has given great leadership to her city. Wishing Steve well for her next chapter!”
A message of peace from Georgina Beyer
“Georgina Beyer, former Labour MP for Wairarapa and long time campaigner for LGBTQI rights, brought a message of peace & rights to the New Zealand Parliament today: a big contrast to another crowd which gathered…. Go, Georgina!”
End of ban on gay sex in Singapore
“A step forward in Singapore with government decision “to end ban on gay sex”; disappointing though that government intends to reinforce law on marriage ensuring that it clearly covers only heterosexual couples. Some way to go towards full equality.”
Check out my Twitter page for more information and links on these issues.
Upcoming Event
Launch of Sustainable Waihi Beach and the Water Refill Stations
10 September
I am pleased to have been invited to launch the Sustainable Waihi Beach and the newly installed water refill stations on 10 September. “This is very much a community initiative, and we believe the water refill stations are just the start of a movement here to take exceptionally good care of our environment and the people who enjoy it, not just for this generation but for others to come.”
OP ED
The Status Quo Won’t Save Us From the Next Pandemic
“Pandemic threats are inevitable, but epidemics and pandemics are choices. World leaders now have a choice: prepare for the next pandemic - or risk a repeat of the disastrous last 2.5 years. See op ed I co-wrote with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia and winner of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize.”
Here we go again … Pandemic preparedness financing
“A new Financial Intermediary Fund for pandemic preparedness needs "recipient country governments and civil society sitting alongside donors helping to shape collective strategies and decisions" to be fit for purpose. See my op ed co-written with Sanjay Pradhan, CEO of the Open Government Partnership
Conflict, climate change, and covid-19 combine to create a breeding ground for sexual and gender based violence
"We are faced with a global plague of sexual and gender based violence. It feeds off the lawless chaos of conflict, the unprecedented disruption of COVID19 and a growing destruction wrought by climate change". See my BMJ latest op ed written in collaboration with Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and José Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Spain.
THE LATEST FROM THE HELEN CLARK FOUNDATION
30 August
“A privilege to be here with NZ Drug Foundation endorsing their proposal for an overdose prevention space in central Auckland. Our patron, Helen Clark is speaking about the global situation in regard to preventing drug harm.”
30 August
“Great to be here tonight with Maliha Khan, Stephen GR Omollo, Helen Clark, Holly Walker, and Mina Barling from IPPF talking about the global threat to abortion rights.”
Find out more about the webinar and how to become a member of The Helen Clark Foundation.