The United States, together with other like-minded nations, seeks to uphold the United Nation’s founding principles. We share a commitment to maintain international peace and security, to fight poverty through development, to eradicate pandemic diseases, and to advance freedom, human rights, and democracy. The United States works within the UN system to help advance these objectives as well as to advance its national security and protect its foreign policy interests. The following examples highlight how U.S. leadership has helped bring about progress on many fronts through collaboration with the UN.
Preserving peace and strengthening security
Under U.S. leadership, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has actively pursued the Nuclear Security Action Plan to assist member states in combating nuclear terrorism. Following the success of the U.S./Russia/IAEA Tripartite Initiative, the U.S. announced a new partnership to secure radioactive sources in developing countries.
At the urging of the U.S., the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) moved quickly to develop new aviation security standards in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks, including new standards for cockpit security and crew procedures. It also established an audit program to help countries comply with ICAO security standards.
After September 11, 2001, the United States urged the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to launch a major maritime security initiative. In December 2002, security responsibilities of governments, ports, companies and ships were defined in amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. These agreements will help enhance the security of ports.
Improving the well-being and prosperity of all people
With help from the United States under the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, the World Food Program (WFP) provides meals during the school day to hungry children around the world, helping reduce hunger and advance learning, with special emphasis on girls. In 2002, the McGovern-Dole program provided $100 million in cash and commodities to 2.2 million children worldwide.
The United States has helped lead the fight against infectious diseases, such as polio and SARS, by working with the World Health Organization (WHO). The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, spearheaded by WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has reduced the number of polio cases from about 350,000 in 1988 to 1,919 laboratory-confirmed cases in 2002. Over that period of time, it has reduced the number of countries experiencing polio from more than 125 to 7. CDC experts also often lead WHO teams into areas affected by SARS, helping local health authorities with treatment and containment strategies.
[graphic: photo of two children holding cans (©WFP/Jean Pierre Cebron)]
UN General Assembly 2003
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