The International Telecommunications Union with headquarters in Geneva
organises regular Conventions for special purposes involving radio operations with
major special "World Radio Conferences" WRCs where all matters are regularly reviewed.

In view of the important nature of these conferences the national Australian organisation
of Amateur Radio operators, the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA), has since around 1956
provided a representative accredited to the official Australian delegation to such conferences.

In the period prior to the WRC it is usual that a great deal of planning work is done
to determine and finalise the Australian position at the conference.
The WIA representative(s) have always assisted the relevant Government Department in this work.

During the working and negotiating sessions in Geneva WIA personnel have provided
major assistance and advice to the Australian delegates. In many ways these amateur radio operators
have been of great value in promoting goodwill amongst the other international delegates.

On a day to day basis Australian amateur radio operators speak on first terms
with other operators from many parts of the world. It is not unusual in the course of an evening
for an operator to converse with stations in as many as 8 or 10 different countries.

In many instances information regarding our local communities, lifestyles
and general attitudes is conveyed in the course of these conversations.
Suggestions and advice on travel in our country is another quite usual subject.

Because of the common interest existing between these operators
an immediate bond of friendship may be formed.

Many instances exist where overseas operators come to Australia specifically to visit
their counterpart here often bringing with them additional members of their families.

The hospitality offered by Australian operators is well known as developing lasting
good relationships with the foreign visitors.

Naturally the tourist trade is also given a boost.

At times disasters have occurred in other countries and Australian operators have provided assistance
by handling emergency radio traffic. It is not unknown for operators to actually fly overseas to provide aid.

This has happened on a number of occasions with the Australian personnel undergoing hardship
to help their fellow men in this way. Such examples include relief efforts in places like Bangladesh.

Other instances of goodwill are found in cases where emergency medical information
is relayed through the amateur operators. Arrangements have been made for special drugs
and medicines to be flown to other countries where an individual is in trouble.

Cases on record include such as where a person's eyesight has been saved
through prompt action on the part of an Amateur Radio operator.

Well known emergencies involving sinking vessels have included
handling of SOS type signals by Amateur Radio operators.

It would seem that yachtsmen from many countries have such a high opinion
of the worth of Amateur Radio that they carry equipment especially
designed for this kind of operation as almost a standard item on their vessels.

One of Western Australia's most famous yachts owned by Trish VK6QL the yacht Seaflight,
sailed by David on his record 264 day solo non-stop circumnavigation, is fitted out in this way.

There would be many more examples where amateur radio operation,
which by its nature involves a great deal of around the world contact,
helps to build goodwill and cements valuable friendships on an international basis.

WIA WA - AR Guide - Amateur Radio & International Relations
With thanks to the original writer

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The WIA exists for all Radio Amateurs, Does it speak for you.
Amateurs Unite and Conquer, United we stand, Divided we fall.