Big news in the U.S. global engagementfront: At a reception in New York
City in November, 2010, it was announcedthat the United Nations Foundation isentering into a strategic alliance with theUnited Nations Association ofthe United States (UNA-USA).This new partnership will collaborate towards building a broad base of citizen supportfor American multilateral engagement through its 125chapters and divisions acrossthe U.S.
The United Nations Foundation links the UN’swork with others around theworld, mobilizing the energy
B y K a r i n L o r n s e n
More than a decade ago, media mogul Ted Turner announced his historic $1 billion gift
which led to the creation of the UN Foundationto support the UN and its causes.
UN Foundation President Senator Tim Wirth, left, UN Secretary-GeneralBan Ki-moon, center, and UN Foundation Founder and Chairman Ted Turner at the Global Leadership Awards dinner in New York.
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Ted Turner, Senator John Kerry, Martha Stewartand UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, left toright, attending the Global Leadership Awards dinner at the historic Waldorf-Astoria.
American Idol creator and producer Simon Fuller, right, receives a Champion for Global Change Award, presentedby ESPN’s Rick Reilly, for his efforts in mobilizing Americans to support the vital work of the United Nations.
Senator John Kerry, left, accepts the Champion for GlobalChange Award from UN Foundation Founder Ted Turner in recognition of his long standing commitment to advanceUN causes.
and expertise of business and non-governmental
organizations so that they can collectively help tackle
issues including climate change, children’s health,
peace and security and poverty eradication.
UNA-USA is a member-based organization that has
been around nearly as long as the United Nations
itself. And for six decades, it has been rooted in
the founding principles of the United Nations: to
inform, inspire and mobilize Americans to support
the principles and vital work of the United Nations
and to strengthen its foundational system. Their
educational programs help young people participate
in successfully reaching their mutual goals, while
the Council of Organizations brings NGOs together,
formally connecting them.
“There have been no closer partners than
the UN Foundation and UNA-USA, working
hand-in-hand to strengthen and deepen citizen
support for the United Nations,” said UN Foundation
President Timothy Wirth during the dinner. “By
formally joining our efforts, making UNA-USA a program of
the UN Foundation, we will combine more than 100 UNA-
USA chapters around the country with the UN Foundation’s
strong and vibrant advocacy network to support UN causes.”
The new alliance was officially kicked off during the
annual Global Leadership Dinner in New York City. The
reception brought together world leaders, policymakers,
business leaders and celebrities to highlight the role of the
United Nations in the global community.
More than a decade ago, Ted Turner announced his
historic $1 billion gift which led to the creation of the UN
Foundation to support the UN and its causes. “It was
the best investment I ever made,” said Turner. “The money
has helped the UN to fight disease, empower women and
girls, combat climate change and lift people out of poverty
around the world.”
During the event, the UN Foundation and UNA-USA
honored Senator John Kerry, UNAIDS Executive Director
Michel Sidibé, AMERICAN IDOL creator and producer
Simon Fuller, and Microsoft for their leadership in advancing
UN causes. ESPN’s Rick Reilly served as the Master of Ceremonies
for the dinner and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador Annie
Lennox offered a special performance. Honored guests included
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Martha Stewart.
UNAIDS Goodwill AmbassadorAnnie Lennox offered a special
performance at the dinner.Annie’s “SING” Campaign raises
awareness for AIDS-infectedwomen in southern Africa.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Martha Stewart were special guests at theGlobal Leadership Awards dinner.
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