Washington, D.C. (Sept. 17, 2021) – Better World Campaign President Peter Yeo issued the following statement ahead of the 76th United Nations General Assembly:
“Next week, the eyes of the world will turn to the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). On the minds of most Americans will undoubtedly be the state of the fight against the COVID-19 virus and what’s next following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“A new poll conducted this month by the bipartisan team of Public Opinion Strategies (POS) and Hart Research Associates on behalf of the Better World Campaign found that Americans are keen on having the UN respond to these crises and want the U.S. to remain engaged in the organization.
“When it comes to what is next in Afghanistan, 90 percent of Americans support the UN’s role in providing humanitarian support on the ground by delivering life-saving assistance to millions in need and protecting the rights of women and girls. This is true among 95 percent of Democrats and 87 percent of Republicans.
“Even as Americans grapple with COVID-19 restrictions at home, they are united in their support for the UN leading the way in fighting the virus abroad. Specifically, 82 percent of voters stated they support the UN’s role in helping stop the spread of COVID-19 overseas in poor and developing countries by delivering vaccines and personal protective equipment, holding vaccination drives, providing technical and emergency health services, and educating about the virus. This includes 98 percent of Democrats and 69 percent of Republicans.
“This will be President Biden’s first address in front of the UN General Assembly since he assumed the presidency. The speech will take place as the UN’s favorability among Americans is at 56 percent – over 20 points higher than that of Congress. 84 percent of Americans agree it is important for the U.S. to maintain an active role in the organization. More specifically, majorities of voters believe that the UN is supportive of America’s goals around the world.
“Since he took office, President Biden has demonstrated a renewed commitment toward a strong U.S.-UN partnership. He rejoined the World Health Organization and the UN Population Fund, re-entered the Paris Climate Agreement, and outlined a plan in his federal budget to pay the arrears owed to the UN and UN peacekeeping budgets. On funding matters in particular, the poll found that over 6 in 10 Americans agree with this move and support paying our dues to the UN on time and in full.”
Click here for the executive summary on the poll and here for the full results.
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
