Washington, D.C. (Feb. 9, 2016) – The President’s FY ‘17 budget request to Congress would continue a proud legacy of U.S-UN partnership in which U.S. global health and global security priorities are advanced, the Better World Campaign said today.
“The President’s budget sets us up for success as we look ahead to 2017 that ushers in a new Congress and a new Administration,” said Peter Yeo, president of the Better World Campaign. “No matter who sits in the Oval Office next year at this time, a record of robustly funding our global health priorities and United Nations dues will allow us to fully utilize a core instrument of U.S. diplomacy and development policy.”
The budget especially advances these key efforts:
- Stamping out malaria: Making good on his State of the Union promises to end the scourge of malaria, the President has recommended a $200 million increase in new bilateral funding over FY ‘16 levels. In addition, the budget devotes $1.35 billion in vital funding to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculous, and Malaria.
- Prioritizing vaccines for children: The budget calls for $174 million through CDC towards continuing a commitment to global polio eradication–a $5 million increase over FY ‘16 enacted levels–and $50 million to address the spread of measles and other disease. It also works to provide children access to life-saving vaccines by proposing $275 million for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which keeps the U.S. on track to fulfilling the President’s $1 billion pledge from FY ’15 – FY ‘18
- Robustly supporting UN Peacekeeping: The President outlines $2.39 billion for the Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities (CIPA). Polling shows that majorities of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats support the U.S. paying our peacekeeping dues on time and in full so that the U.S. does not have to act alone.
- Fully funding the UN regular budget: The $1.39 billion allocated for the Contributions to International Organizations (CIO) Account would cover the U.S. share of political missions in Afghanistan and Iraq and help finance the vital work of UN agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). WHO is currently combatting the Zika virus and IAEA inspectors are playing a central role in verifying Iran’s compliance with limits on its nuclear program.
- Continuing the UN’s vital humanitarian work: Through $333 million in contributions to the International Organizations & Programs (IO&P) Account, the budget provides voluntary funding to agencies like the UNICEF, which was specifically allocated $132 million, and UNFPA, which was specifically allotted $35 million. These agencies are providing real-time, vital and urgent assistance to stop the devastating effects of Zika throughout the Americas and helping refugees in Syria. The account also provides UN Women a record allotment of $14 million for its work in promoting gender equality and empowerment.
“President Obama’s 2017 budget proposal wisely invests in the United Nations and our other multilateral partnerships, advancing foreign policy objectives for a healthier and safer world — one in which the U.S. does not have to go it alone,” said Yeo. “Bipartisan polling shows that this is a vision consistent with voter preferences as we move into an election cycle: 82 percent of Americans believe it is better for the United States to work with allies and through international organizations, whereas only 15 percent say we should act mainly on our own.”
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
