August 12, 2024

Life as a UN ambassador in a troubled world

A captivating narrative of Stephen Hill’s efforts to make a positive impact in the world’s most volatile regions

The University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities will host the upcoming launch of a new book by Emeritus Professor Stephen Hill AM, In Defence of Our Humanity: Real Life as a United Nations Ambassador in a Troubled World, on Wednesday 14 August.

The biography is Hill’s fifth publication in seven years and offers an unparalleled look into his extraordinary career with the United Nations (UN), providing a captivating narrative of his global efforts to make a positive impact in some of the world’s most volatile regions.

In Defence of Our Humanity recounts Hill’s experiences working with the UN as a professorial advisor and policy consultant and later as a full-time member of staff for over a decade. Based in Indonesia and part-time in Paris, Hill served as the UN Regional Director for Science for Asia and the Pacific and as Principal Field Director and Ambassador for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

Written for a general audience, the book is both dramatic and engaging, offering readers a glimpse into Hill’s life within the UN and his efforts to bring about positive change in troubled and developing countries.

At the heart of his work were principles of listening and trust, which empowered Hill and his UN teams to achieve remarkable outcomes.

The book also details Hill’s encounters with significant challenges, including negotiating the release of UN staff taken hostage in West Papua, navigating the chaos of the May 1998 revolution in Indonesia, and escaping an assassination attempt by the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines.

Renowned social researcher Dr Hugh Mackay AO will deliver the keynote speech at the book launch.

About the Author

Stephen Hill is a polymath with qualifications in both natural and social sciences and was appointed Professor of Sociology at age 30. Now an Emeritus Professor at UOW, Hill has published extensively across diverse fields, including global economics, social dynamics, and the values driving social change.

His bibliography includes over 20 books, many of which explore real-life adventures, such as Captives for Freedom, which details his experiences dealing with the abduction of UN staff in West Papua.

In addition to his writing, Hill is committed to engaging with communities through public talks on contemporary issues. His storytelling ability, combined with his deep understanding of global affairs, makes him a compelling voice in discussions on humanity and social change.

EVENT DETAILS

What: In Defence of Our Humanity: Real Life as a United Nations Ambassador in a Troubled World book launch

Who:    Cr Gordon Bradbery, Lord Mayor, Wollongong

              Mr Hugh Mackay, Social researcher and keynote speaker

              Mr John Hatton, Corruption fighter and ex-politician

              Mr Juno Kawakami, Commissioning Editor, Springer

              Mr Stephen Hill, Author 

When: Wednesday 14 August, 4:30-6:30 pm

Where: UOW Wollongong Campus,

 Building 21, Room G08