Newsroom / Press Release

New Poll: Majority of Voters Want a Strong U.S.-UN Relationship

Share

Washington, D.C. (May 3, 2012) — New polling data released today by the United Nations Foundation and its sister organization, the Better World Campaign, demonstrates that across party lines the majority of American voters support a strong relationship between the United States and the United Nations.

More than 8 in 10 American voters say it is important for the U.S. to maintain an active role in the UN, and 64 percent of those polled favor the U.S. paying its dues to the UN on time and in full, including majorities of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats.  This is a strong recognition of how important it is that the U.S. not have to go it alone in an increasingly complex world.

“As election-year polls continue to show the American electorate split on a wide variety of issues, a vast majority of voters agree on one issue in particular: the value of a strong, productive U.S.-UN relationship,” said Timothy E. Wirth, President of the United Nations Foundation. “Continued U.S. engagement at the UN will ensure our ability to lead efforts to build a safer, healthier and more just world for our children and our grandchildren.”

The nationwide polling of American voters, conducted by noted bipartisan firms Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research Associates, also reveals that:

  • 93 percent believe it is important for the U.S. to be a member of the World Health Organization;
  • 75 percent value U.S. funding to UN peacekeeping operations;
  • 89 percent believe the U.S. should be supportive of UN programs that improve the health care, education, livelihood, and rights for women and girls;
  • 81 percent think it is important for the U.S. to be involved in efforts to stop child marriage in poor, developing countries; and
  • 83 percent believe it is important for the U.S. to be a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

“On issues related to peace and security, the promotion of global health, and the empowerment of women and girls – particularly ending child marriage – Americans strongly believe the United States can and should play a leading role,” said Peter Yeo, Vice President of Public Policy at the United Nations Foundation and Executive Director of the Better World Campaign. “And U.S. voters have made it clear once again that the stage for that leading American role is the United Nations.”

For a memo detailing the full results of the polling, click here.

###

About United Nations Foundation

The United Nations Foundation builds public/private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by global corporations, foundations, governments, and individuals. For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org.

About the Better World Campaign

The Better World Campaign (BWC), 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