United Nations Foundation Mourns Passing of U.S. Representative Donald Payne

Peter Yeo, Vice President for Public Policy at the United Nations Foundation and Executive Director of the Better World Campaign, released the following statement after the passing of U.S. Representative Donald Payne (D-NJ):

“I had the privilege of working with Congressman Donald Payne and his staff for over two decades both on and off Capitol Hill. On behalf of the United Nations Foundation I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, staff and constituents at this very difficult time.

“Through his seat on the Foreign Affairs Committee and as Chair and Ranking Member of the Africa and Global Health Subcommittee, Congressman Payne crafted policy and committed resources to tackle some of the world’s toughest health and development challenges, demonstrating American foreign policy ideals at their best.

“Congressman Payne’s absolute dedication to strengthening ties between the United States and the nations and people of Africa was unmatched and unprecedented in American public policy. Specifically, the passage and subsequent reauthorization of significant HIV/AIDS funding would not have happened without his intellectual heft and leadership skills. As founder and co-chair of the Congressional Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Caucus, the Congressman worked closely with the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign to send life-saving bed nets to Africa. His leadership and commitment to saving lives from this preventable disease has helped contribute to a 33 percent drop in deaths from malaria in Africa since 2000.

“Congressman Payne was a great American public servant, friend to the UN and consummate advocate for humanity. He will be sorely missed.”

About 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.