Statement from Kathy Calvin on Nomination of Rex Tillerson for U.S. Secretary of State

United Nations Foundation President & CEO Kathy Calvin today issued the following statement on the nomination of Rex Tillerson as U.S. Secretary of State:

“The United Nations Foundation looks forward to working with Rex Tillerson, if confirmed, to advance strong leadership at the United Nations to further our principles as Americans and tackle global challenges.

American leadership at the UN, including by meeting financial obligations to the institution, helps the United States meet key economic, foreign policy, and national security goals. The U.S. remains integral to a strong UN, and its status as a permanent member of the Security Council and host of UN headquarters reflects the importance of the U.S.-UN relationship.

Rex Tillerson would begin his tenure shortly after António Guterres is sworn in as the UN’s new Secretary-General, providing a significant opportunity to further American interests across the globe, including by enhancing peacekeeping, combatting violent extremism, continuing action on climate change, and promoting sustainable development.

In 2011, the UN Foundation recognized Rex Tillerson for ExxonMobil’s commitment to help meet the UN’s goals of substantially reducing deaths from malaria and increasing economic opportunities for girls and women. These efforts are examples of the positive effects that multinational corporations can have when they align their business interests with global development priorities.”

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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 philanthropic, corporate, government, and individual donors. Learn more at: www.unfoundation.org.