Washington, D.C. (March 28, 2022) — Better World Campaign President Peter Yeo issued the following statement on the Biden Administration’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year ’23:
“President Biden’s budget fully meets our UN regular budget obligations and allocates a sizable down payment on the more than $1 billion owed to the UN peacekeeping budget, an important step that supports the valuable work of peace operations around the world. The $730 million allocation addresses overdue payments that have accumulated because of an arbitrary legislative ‘cap’ imposed on U.S. contributions, preventing the U.S. from paying at our agreed upon rate for the past five years.
“As the U.S. rallies the world against the actions of autocratic governments, paying what we owe the UN reinforces American credibility and strength.
“The administration also doubled down on its commitment to supporting multilateral institutions proven to save lives. By requesting $2 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, the administration is making a strong case that the upcoming replenishment of the Fund will be its most successful. This could inspire other donor countries to invest generously to meet the Fund’s $18 billion replenishment goal.
“The administration also requested $250 million for the ACT-Accelerator, the partnership with the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi and others that has delivered more than one billion vaccines worldwide and provides key therapeutics and diagnostics to countries fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, the administration has once again called on Congress to provide $56 million for UNFPA, the UN Population Fund, for their life-saving work with women and girls.
Two years of funding was proposed for UNESCO, the UN’s agency that promotes education, arts, sciences, and culture internationally.
“As we saw in the recent State, Foreign Operations Committee negotiations over FY ’22 spending, robust engagement will be needed to ensure U.S. international priorities remain adequately funded. We urge Congressional leaders to prioritize our international investments, and allow the U.S. to successfully lead the world during a period of immense change and challenge.”
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
