 Secretary Clinton chairs the UN Security Council Session on Women, Peace, and Security, New York, September, 2009. AFP Image |
The challenges facing the United States have never been more multilateral in nature: nonproliferation, disarmament, food security, human rights, and climate change. International organizations, including the United Nations (UN) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, are crucial partners in any effort to address these challenges, and the United States employs vigorous and constructive interaction with these organizations to advance U.S. national interests. Multilateral institutions leverage greater global resources and complement bilateral assistance. The Administration’s reinvigorated commitment to multilateral diplomacy and promotion of more effective, responsive, and accountable international organizations is best supported through a whole-of-government approach.
The United States works with the UN and its many subordinate and affiliated organizations, and supports UN agencies in humanitarian and development responses around the world. Together, both the Department of State and USAID have been vocal advocates for the management reforms that are now reshaping how agencies such as the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Food Program, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Food and Agriculture Organization coordinate during humanitarian crises.
In the last year, the United States has reinvigorated multilateral engagement that leads to direct benefits for American citizens. Early results of that effort include:
