Washington, D.C. (Dec. 23, 2016) — Better World Campaign President Peter Yeo issued the following statement today in response to calls to withdraw U.S. funding for the United Nations in light of the UN Security Council’s vote on Israeli Settlements:
“Eliminating or cutting funding to the United Nations will not serve U.S. interests. The UN and the UN Security Council remain vital to developing global support for America’s priorities, including combatting terrorism, handling threats to international peace and security, and ending conflicts. Without active participation at the UN, including full funding, our nation’s ability to achieve our foreign policy and national security objectives will be severely diminished.
We look forward to working with the President-Elect and Members of Congress to embrace their willingness to further American foreign policy, national security, and economic objectives at the UN.
We know from experience that keeping our seat at the table is the best way to advance our interests and those of Israel. Walking away from the UN would be cheered by opponents of U.S. and Israeli policy.
The United Nations is indispensable to tackling global challenges. Nearly 60 percent of the world’s children receive their vaccinations from the United Nations, 90 million individuals in 80 countries receive food from the UN, and 55 million refugees and other displaced people are helped by the UN every day.
The UN also benefits the American economy. Over $500 million in UN contracts flow to American companies each year, and according to a newly-released report, hosting the UN in New York City has a positive economic impact equivalent to hosting seven Super Bowls annually.
Americans continue to feel overwhelming support for the UN. A bi-partisan poll to be released in early January by the Better World Campaign shows that 88 percent of Americans want the U.S. to remain actively engaged at the UN.”
About the Better World Campaign
The Better World Campaign works to foster a strong relationship between the U.S. and the UN to promote core American interests and build a more secure, prosperous, and healthy world. The Better World Campaign engages policymakers, the media, and the American public alike to increase awareness of the critical role played by the UN in world affairs and the importance of constructive U.S.-UN relations.
Media Contact:
info_bwc@unfoundation.org
