Confirmation of John Kerry is Boon for International Cooperation, Says UN Foundation President

Senator Timothy E. Wirth, president of the United Nations Foundation, congratulated John Kerry today on his confirmation as U.S. Secretary of State. In a statement, Wirth said:

“When John Kerry stood before the Senate at his confirmation hearing days ago, he eloquently said what I know will be a mantra of his tenure as Secretary: ‘America lives up to her values when we give voice to the voiceless.’

“Indeed, this conviction has already defined Senator Kerry’s tenure as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and his many years of service to his country.  Having worked closely with Senator Kerry for many years, I am wholly confident that he will continue to be guided by those values in his work to strengthen national security and fight terrorism; promote U.S. interests in global health; champion a comprehensive approach to climate and energy issues; and further foreign policy that embraces strong cooperation with international organizations like the United Nations.

“John Kerry realizes that America cannot afford to go it alone around the world. In fact, when asked about the United Nations during his confirmation hearing, Senator Kerry did not hesitate to say that we are better able to protect against ‘nefarious activity’ if we are participating in the UN. He went on to say that if we cease to pay our dues, then the United States will ‘lose the opportunity to protect our friends.’

“Secretary Clinton no doubt leaves large shoes to fill. She has bolstered our nation’s reputation abroad with her trademark diplomacy, including a perhaps unparalleled commitment to women and girls in developing nations. Yet I’m confident that Senator Kerry will rise to the occasion—as he has firmly committed to continue a legacy of uplifting the most vulnerable—and achieve new milestones in areas such as climate change.

“I applaud the Senate on this confirmation and congratulate John Kerry, our next Secretary of State.”

###About The 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.