U.S. Participation in the United Nations: Our Vision and Priorities

Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
September 12, 2003
[PDF]

“This is America’s agenda in the world--from the defeat of terror, to the alleviation of
disease and hunger, to the spread of human liberty. We welcome, and we need, the
help, advice, and wisdom of friends and allies.”
--President George W. Bush, May 31, 2003

U.S. Guiding Principles of Engagement in the United Nations:

Encourage the UN to live up to its founding vision
Seek multilateral diplomacy that is effective and successful
Ensure good stewardship of UN resources

Our Vision for the UN

The United States has always believed that the United Nations is an important international organization where diverse countries and cultures of the world can work together for freedom, democracy, peace, human rights, and prosperity for all people. We are proud of our role in the UN and its specialized agencies in helping to meet global challenges.

As one of the founders of the United Nations, we want it to realize its fundamental vision--making the world more secure, democratic, and prosperous. As an active member of the UN and its many committees and commissions, we believe that effective multilateral diplomacy requires principled and consistent leadership, as well as the full engagement of all UN partners. And, as the largest financial contributor to the UN, we believe good stewardship of UN resources is vital to its success.

U.S. Priorities at the UN

Rooted in our guiding principles, we seek to work with all UN member states, to:

Preserve Peace and Strengthen Security, through effective peacekeeping, strengthened counter-terrorism efforts, and enhanced counterproliferation efforts.

Help Those in Greatest Need, by rallying the world to increased action on famine, refugee relief, and such pressing health issues as HIV/AIDS.

Promote Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Respect for Human Dignity, and Sustainable Development, including restoring the Commission on Human Rights to an effective body that will defend human rights everywhere, promoting the core elements of the international community’s commitments at the Millennium Summit, the Monterrey Consensus, and the World Summit on Sustainable Development, and rejoining UNESCO.

Promote Democratic Governance and Economic Opportunity, by continuing to advance educational, political, and economic opportunities for women and by using the Millennium Challenge Account to promote good governance, public-private partnerships and investment in one’s people.

Improve the UN’s Performance, by promoting good stewardship of its resources through better management and budget discipline, and encouraging the UN to prioritize programs and terminate unnecessary activities.

[graphics: four photos - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and Secretary of State Colin Powell standing at microphones; outside shot of UN Headquarters building in New York City; President George W. Bush speaking at podium; Secretary Powell and other officials sitting at curved table with microphones]

UN General Assembly 2003

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