Washington, D.C. (Oct. 22, 2014) — A new poll released today by the Better World Campaign finds that voters recognize that a strong partnership between the U.S. and the United Nations is essential to addressing the toughest challenges facing our world today.
“As pressing international issues such as the Ebola outbreak and the terrorist threat posed by ISIL continue to dominate headlines, these poll results paint a clear picture,” said Peter Yeo, Executive Director of the Better World Campaign, “Americans recognize that the toughest global challenges require both international coordination and collaboration – and working through the UN is the best avenue to accomplish this.”
The survey of 800 voters found that a remarkable 92 percent of Americans believe it is important for the UN to “take the lead in efforts to contain and resolve the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.” In addition, 89 percent of voters believe “it is essential for the WHO and CDC to work together to contain and resolve the outbreak.”
“Diseases don’t know borders or party lines, and voters recognize the global nature of the Ebola outbreak,” said Yeo. “An overwhelming majority of Americans support a robust U.S.-UN partnership to tackle the Ebola crisis and other major international challenges.”
In addition, as the attention of the U.S. and the rest of the world remains focused on the Ebola outbreak, voters believe that a strong partnership between the U.S. and the UN is more critical than ever. 87 percent of Americans agree that it is important “for the United States to maintain an active role within the United Nations.” Moreover, 79 percent of voters say “it’s better to work through major allies and international organizations than to act mainly on our own.”
“Simply put, the U.S. cannot bear all the burden or afford to go it alone – and the majority of the American public agrees that we should work in partnership with the UN,” said Yeo.
The nationwide poll of likely voters was conducted October 9-15 by the bipartisan research team of Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research Associates with a margin of error of ± 3.46 percent. Other notable findings include:
Majorities of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats support the U.S. paying our UN general dues and 72 percent of voters support paying our Peacekeeping dues on time and in full.
66 percent of voters say the UN has been supportive of U.S. objectives around the world.
The UN’s favorability rating is 58 percent. By contrast, only 28 percent of voters gave Congress a favorable rating.
Click here for an executive summary. Click here for the full results.
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
