Washington, D.C. (Sept. 21, 2011) – Peter Yeo, Executive Director of the Better World Campaign, released the following statement today in response to President Obama’s third address before the United Nations General Assembly:
“President Obama’s speech to world leaders this morning discussed the immense political, security, and humanitarian challenges currently facing many parts of the world, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Cote d’Ivoire, Libya, Syria, the Middle East, and the world’s newest nation—South Sudan. What was made clear in the President’s remarks is that no country can take on these highly complex and interconnected issues alone—that the U.S. must be willing to come to the table and work with its global partners, including the United Nations, to build a more peaceful and prosperous world.
“At the UN, America is a leader in working to find solutions to some of the most pressing and intractable challenges facing the international community today– from authorizing each and every peacekeeping and political mission as a permanent, veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council; to pushing for robust international sanctions regimes against countries like Iran and North Korea; to supporting critical humanitarian missions in the Horn of Africa and beyond. Our commitment to working together with the UN ensures that American interests are being served and our foreign policy goals are met.
“Moreover, the UN is the only institution that can tackle problems that touch every person living on the earth, especially global health challenges that continue to negatively impact millions of people who live in developing countries. The U.S. and our partners at the UN know that we are investing in a more prosperous and livable world when we strengthen health systems to prevent and end diseases.
“Recent bi-partisan research shows that 85% of Americans believe that the U.S. should be engaged at the UN and voters understand the value of a strong U.S.-UN relationship. In fact, the majority of Americans across the political spectrum support the payment of dues to the UN and UN peacekeeping on time and in full. Yet, anti-UN legislation has been introduced in Congress that would eliminate half of U.S. funding to the UN, and nearly all funding to UN agencies such as the World Food Program and UNICEF.
“The President cited examples today of how members of the United Nations came together to support the “will of the people;” it is time for Congress to come together and support the will of the American people by fully funding the United Nations.”
About the Better World Campaign
The Better World Campaign, an initiative of the Better World Fund, works to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the United Nations. It encourages U.S. leadership to enhance the UN’s ability to carry out its invaluable international work on behalf of peace, progress, freedom, and justice. For more information, visit www.betterworldcampaign.org.
Media Contact:
info_bwc@unfoundation.org
