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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