In part one of our interview with Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, the Australian minister for international development and the Pacific, she discussed reframing Australia’s aid program, private sector engagement, the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump and value of innovation competitions.
In part two of our interview, which took place after the minister spoke at the inaugural aid supplier conference of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Fierravanti-Wells talked to Devex about Australia’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council. This week she will be travelling to Geneva to deliver a high-level national statement to the council. Here are highlights from the conversation, edited for length and clarity.
Australia is contesting for a seat on the U.N. Human Rights Council for 2018 to 2020. How is that going?