Washington, D.C. (May 27, 2011) — In recognition of the more than 120,000 UN peacekeepers working around-the-clock in 14 missions to promote stability, peace and security around the globe, the Better World Campaign today launched a “Thank a Peacekeeper” campaign. Marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on May 29, the campaign will pay tribute to the men and women from 115 countries who serve as UN peacekeepers who have traveled far from home to join with the UN to help where help is needed most – in places where conflict or disaster have taken a heavy toll and where peace is a precious commodity.
“UN peacekeeping operations are underway in some of the most challenging places in the world. Peacekeepers are helping to rebuild a better Haiti, protect civilians in Darfur, defend democracy in the Ivory Coast, and maintain peace in Sudan,” said Peter Yeo, Executive Director of the Better World Campaign. “Our Thank a Peacekeeper campaign helps recognize the men and women in blue helmets that are committed to building peace and security around the globe.”
BWC will collect messages of thanks from people around the world starting today until the International Day of Peace on September 21. Working together with the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, BWC will deliver the messages to the men and women who, as UN peacekeepers, work tirelessly in pursuit of sustainable peace.
“UN peacekeeping is one of our most vital foreign policy and national security tools, and American voters agree. Recent bipartisan polling shows that 69% of American voters across the political spectrum agree that the United States should pay peacekeeping dues to the United Nations on time and in full. As we thank UN peacekeepers, it is also important to urge Congress to continue to meet US commitments at the UN,” Yeo continued.
BWC kicked off this year’s Thank a Peacekeeper campaign in Washington, DC with a reception on Capitol Hill featuring UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations and top troop-contributing countries. Kathy Calvin, CEO of United Nations Foundation thanked Under-Secretary-General Le Roy and Ambassadors from leading UN peacekeeping troop-contributing countries for their commitment to UN peacekeeping in celebration of International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
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
