WASHINGTON – Better World Campaign Executive Director Peter Yeo testified today before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the important role played by the United Nations and the value of effective engagement in the international body for the United States. 

“It is appropriate that today’s hearing is held on the same day as the State of the Union, as it is in America’s national security, economic and political interests to invest and engage in the United Nations,” said Peter Yeo.  “The majority of Americans understand the importance of the UN to our national priorities, with 59% of people citing their support of the UN in a recent poll.”

In his testimony, Mr. Yeo stressed that continued American engagement and diplomacy at the UN will only advance our goals for democracy, human rights and global security.

“Right now, across the globe, the UN stands by America as it works to promote democracy, human rights, and world prosperity…we need the UN to continue, even hurry, on its current course – straight toward a more stable and prosperous world that serves America’s interests.”

Yeo also led the charge to ensure Congress understands the absolute necessity of paying UN dues on time and in full, noting that meeting U.S. treaty commitments also gives the U.S. leverage to set priorities at the U.N.

“We must pay our UN dues on time, in full, and without threats of withholding our contribution.  When we act otherwise, we send a strong and provocative signal that we are more interested in tearing down the UN than making it better, in going it alone rather than working with others.  Over the last few years, as Congress has paid our dues without drama or delay, we have seen the effectiveness of a multilateral approach in action, as we have been able to advance American priorities at the UN with the support of other nations around the world.”

The full text of Peter Yeo’s testimony can be found online here. (PDF)

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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.