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The Bureau of International Organization Affairs (IO) is the U.S. Government’s primary interlocutor with the United Nations and a host of international agencies and organizations. As such, the Bureau is charged with advancing the President’s vision of robust multilateral engagement as a crucial tool in advancing U.S. national interests. U.S. multilateral engagement spans the full range of important global issues, including peace and security, nuclear nonproliferation, human rights, economic development, climate change, global health, and much more.
Preview of U.S. Priorities at the 67th Session of the UN General Assembly
On Tuesday, September 18, 2012 (2:00-3:00pm) Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs, Esther Brimmer will deliver her annual address previewing U.S. priorities at the UN General Assembly at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Daniel F. Runde, Director of the Project on Prosperity and Development and Schreyer Chair in Global Analysis, Center for Strategic and International Studies will introduce her and moderate the discussion. Read More»
Assessing U.S. Policy on Peacekeeping Operations in Africa
Assistant Secretary Brimmer Testifies Before the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Africa Subcommittee
Assistant Secretary Brimmer (September 13): This Administration’s support for UN peacekeeping is deep, and builds on a strong, decades-long, bipartisan effort to improve these operations’ effectiveness. That support is rooted in the fact that peacekeeping is not a policy in itself, but rather a key tool to deliver on policy goals. UN missions deploy to promote lasting political settlements that can in turn bring a durable peace. They provide backing for those who agree to put down their guns and to support the rule of law. Full Text»
Conversations With America: Addressing Global Challenges at the UN
(September 11): Esther Brimmer, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations, held a conversation with Stewart Patrick, Senior Fellow and Director of the International Institutions and Global Governance Program at the Council on Foreign Relations, and Heather Hurlburt, Executive Director of the National Security Network, on Addressing Global Challenges at the UN. More | You can read the transcript here.
21st Session of the UN Human Rights Council (September 10 -28)
The UN Human Rights Council opened on September 10th with an address from United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and an update by High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, followed by a general debate.
Recent Highlights:
More | Flickr: Photos from US Mission in Geneva | Keep up with the session on twitter by following @State_IO, @USMissionGeneva & @AmbDonahoe
Remarks on International Literacy Day 2012
Assistant Secretary Brimmer (September 7): Each time we teach a child, a woman, a man to read and write it has a ripple effect --on their families, their communities, and other sectors of their nation well. We know the facts about literacy education and development. If a country elevates its literacy rate by 20 percent, its GDP also can increase by as much as 16 percent. On the other hand if less than 40 percent of a nation’s population can read, it cannot achieve rapid economic growth.” Full Text | International Literacy Day Message from Former First Lady, Laura Bush | Houston Chronicle Op-Ed by UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova and Former First Lady, Laura Bush
Young Professional’s Program Examination: Accepting Applications Through September 12, 2012
Assistant Secretary Brimmer (July 31): Today’s global challenges require global solutions. Whether climate change, food security, regional conflicts, health crises, or other burning issues, the international community, in the form of its international organizations, must play a crucial role. You can help address some of the most interesting issues of our era by seeking a career in international affairs beginning with the United Nation’s Young Professionals Program. You can apply now to take the examination for this program. Full Text» Employment Opportunities in International Organizations» UN Careers»
U.S. Youth Observer Program
Aug. 24: This year, the Department of State is teaming up with the United Nations Association of the USA to send one young U.S. citizen to the UN General Assembly in New York through the U.S. Youth Observer program. DipNote» More»
Diplomacy & Multilateralism
On August 22, Assistant Secretary Brimmer participated in a roundtable discussion at the Lowy Institute for International Policy. Following the roundtable, Assistant Secretary Brimmer sat down with Martine Letts, Deputy Director of the Lowy Institute to discuss the Obama Administration’s renewed focus on multilateral institutions and regional diplomacy.
Assistant Secretary Brimmer’s Participation in the Pacific Islands Forum
Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs Esther Brimmer will travel to Australia, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands, August 19 – September 2, 2012.
On August 19, Assistant Secretary Brimmer will begin her visit to the Pacific region. In advance of her involvement in the Pacific Islands Forum, she will make stops in Sydney, Canberra, Wellington and Auckland. While in these cities she will meet high level officials, civil society groups and students to discuss the role of U.S. multilateral engagement in addressing global challenges. Read More»
World Humanitarian Day
Let's send the biggest social media message in history! Join Beyoncé, the UN and humanitarian aid organizations around the world to reach 1 billion people, on 1 day, with 1 message of hope. Add your voice by signing up at http://www.whd-iwashere.org/ with your social network. Your message will be stored until August 19th. On August 19th, every message will be automatically sent out as one voice, along with a special World Humanitarian Day performance by Beyoncé.
Every year on August 19th, World Humanitarian Day recognizes those who face danger and adversity to help others. Learn More»
U.S. Strategy To Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally
Ambassador-at-Large Melanne Verveer (Aug. 14): President Obama and Secretary Clinton's commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls and improving their status around the world is embodied in the U.S Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, and the Executive Order that will set it into motion. The strategy lays out concrete objectives and actions to marshal the United States' expertise and capacity to address gender-based violence, and represents a multi-sector and whole of government approach -- one that includes the justice, legal, security, health, education, economic, social services, humanitarian, and development sectors. DipNote Blog»
Multilateral Engagement and Its Benefits for Americans
DAS Nerissa Cook Speaks at Reception hosted by the Better World Campaign and the U.S. Council for International Business
Deputy Assistant Secretary Cook (July 26): "While many Americans are unfamiliar with the “alphabet soup” of UN specialized and technical agencies, the truth is every American citizen and business receives very real benefits from these agencies. We depend on these global systems for the communication and transportation that is the underpinning for our contemporary, interconnected world. Without these global institutions, we would resort to a piecemeal web of hundreds or thousands of bilateral and regional treaties, agreements, or other solutions – and it still wouldn’t be as comprehensive or as strong a system for cooperation." Full Text»
Ustream Fireside Chat with US Representative to the UN Human Rights Council
Join Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe for a live Fireside chat via Ustream on Thursday, July 19 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. PST. Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe is the U.S. representative to Human Rights Council, the UN body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. Tweet Your Questions in advance or during the chat to #AskECD:. Visit http://www.ustream.tv/conx to listen and participate in the chat.
IO Deputy Assistant Secretary Paula Schriefer Participates In Brookings Institution Panel Discussion
Translating Human Rights Into Practice: A Conversation on the United Nations Human Rights Council
Deputy Assistant Secretary Schriefer (July 11): "I’m going to start by highlighting some of the main priorities and achievements at the 20th Session of the Human Rights Council, which I think both underscore the broadening scope and efficacy of the Council, and highlight the instrumental role of United States engagement with a diverse range of countries from all regions of the world to address urgent human rights concerns. U.S. leadership kept the Council at the forefront of international efforts to promote and protect human rights in Syria, Belarus and Eritrea and led to the passing of historic resolutions on Internet freedom and women’s equal right to nationality." Full Text» More About This Event» Audio»
Destruction of Muslim Shrines in Timbuktu
Spokesperson Nuland (July 11): The United States strongly condemns the destruction of Muslim shrines and other religious and historic sites in Timbuktu by Islamic militants, including Ansar al-Dine. We are outraged by the continued destruction of these World Heritage Sites and the ongoing intimidation of local populations. We join UNESCO in urging an immediate end to these destructive and irreversible acts and call for all parties to protect this invaluable cultural heritage for future generations. This is an assault not just on Mali but on the heritage of all Africans, and those responsible for these acts should be brought to justice.
We remain deeply concerned about the situation of the Malian people. Mali has been a strong partner of the United States in the areas of democracy and governance, economic development, and peace and security. We support the on-going efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union to bring about a return to civilian rule in Mali and to mediate a solution to the rebellion in the north. In addition, we appeal to all parties to ensure impartial and unhindered humanitarian access to any and all populations in northern Mali. Full Text»
The 20th Session of the UN Human Rights Council is ongoing until July 6, 2012
Here are some of the most recent highlights from the council’s meetings:
More: Us Mission To The United Nations In Geneva (HRC20)
U.S. Continues to Engage with Bahrain on Human Rights Issues
Ambassador Donahoe (June 28): "The United States continues to engage in candid bilateral discussions with the Government of Bahrain and a cross-section of Bahrainis, and these discussions include human rights. We believe that this process is the most productive way for us to engage on human rights issues, and so we did not join the recent Item 4 joint statement in the Human Rights Council… We continue to call on all parties in Bahrain to help each other move toward a comprehensive political dialogue that includes the diverse views of Bahraini society in a genuine negotiation. And we continue to stand ready to support Bahrain in this process." Full Text»
U.S., Georgia Meet on Multilateral Issues
On June 25, Assistant Secretary of State Esther Brimmer welcomed Georgia Deputy Foreign Minister Sergi Kapanadze to the State Department for consultations on multilateral issues. During the consultations, U.S. and Georgian officials discussed how to strengthen cooperation in international organizations, the future of economic development and security cooperation in Afghanistan, etc. Assistant Secretary Brimmer and Deputy Foreign Minister Kapanadze agreed to look for ways to enhance coordination between U.S. and Georgian missions to the UN in New York and Geneva, as well as in other international and regional organizations.
2012 Internet Freedom Fellows Program
The United States Mission to the United Nations in Geneva announced the names of the participants in the 2012 Internet Freedom Fellows Program. The fellows have just arrived in Geneva for a three day program, and will travel to Washington and Silicon Valley from June 24 through 28. These dynamic individuals from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan are using social media, mobile communications and digital networks to promote human rights at the grass roots level. From Geneva to Silicon Valley, they will share their experiences, from the front lines of internet freedom, with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. Read More» 2012 Internet Freedom Fellows»
20th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Convenes
Action on Syria, Belarus Among Top U.S. Priorities
Ambassador Donahoe (June 18): “The United States is gravely concerned about the deterioration of the human rights situation in Belarus since the last presidential election, particularly the continued suppression of the rights to freedoms of association, assembly, and expression; the right to a fair trial; and continued politically-motivated detentions.
The Council recently held a fourth Special Session on the human rights situation in Syria, with a particular focus on the tragic massacre in Al Houleh. We welcome the recent report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry for Syria, and look forward to its focused report on the events in Al Houleh. Once again we call on the government of Syria to allow full and unfettered access to the COI.” Full Text» Follow HRC20»
Economic Statecraft Day, June 14, 2012
To honor economic statecraft day, the Bureau of International Organizational Affairs offers these fast facts on how the United States works in the multilateral arena to promote economic issues.
Protected Intellectual Property
Did you know that even music legend Beyonce Knowles turned to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva when she discovered that somebody was cybersquatting on her trademark? WIPO heard her case and found in her favor. When it comes to Intellectual property, patents and trademarks this little known international organization plays a key role on the world’s economic stage. This specialized agency adds value to the global economy in the 21st century by promoting innovation, creativity, and investment. American participation and leadership in WIPO is economic statecraft in action. Read More» Remarks by Secretary Clinton» Fact Sheet»
Assistant Secretary Brimmer Delivers Closing Keynote Remarks at UN Association Annual Conference
Assistant Secretary Brimmer (June 11): "I’ve mentioned today, a number of foreign policy challenges where the Obama Administration has employed a multilateral engagement to advance U.S. interests. That approach for achieving our immediate foreign policy goals increases our influence and ability to achieve future goals down the line. The U.S. emphasis on engagement, on seeking shared solutions to common challenges, has been one of the key means by which we have restored confidence in America’s global leadership, and with it increased our ability to advance U.S. foreign policy goals on difficult and complex issues." Full Text»
U.S. Humanitarian Aid Reaching Syria and Neighboring Countries
Fact Sheet (June 8): The United States is pursuing every avenue to provide humanitarian relief to those affected by the violence in Syria and is engaged in focused diplomatic efforts to secure full and unfettered access for humanitarian organizations to reach those in need. The United States is providing an additional $12.8 million in humanitarian assistance to support the people of Syria, bringing the total amount of U.S. emergency aid to just over $52 million during the current fiscal year for this crisis. Our assistance continues to reach those affected by the violence through our contributions to international and non-governmental humanitarian partners, including… Read More»
International Day of UN Peacekeepers
Secretary Clinton (May 29): “I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the men and women who serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world and to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. I would also like to recognize the many American personnel who have participated in UN peacekeeping operations, including most recently, U.S. Army Brigadier General Hugh Van Roosen who will be the new Chief of Staff of the UN Mission in Liberia.
Since the first UN peacekeeping mission which was created on this day sixty-four years ago, civilian and military personnel have served under the UN flag in 67 operations around the world. Because of their work, the world is safer and more secure. The United States is committed to UN peacekeeping operations, and to a more peaceful world.” Full Text»
Assistant Secretary Brimmer Remarks at Pacific Day Seminar
Assistant Secretary Brimmer (May 23): "Over the past few months, President Obama – our first Pacific President – and Secretary Clinton have sought to reinforce the enduring American commitment to advance security, prosperity, and human dignity across the Pacific region. There should be no doubt that the United States is itself a Pacific nation. Starting in its earliest days, this Administration has prioritized U.S. relations with the Pacific, from the President’s personal commitment to strong engagement with the Asia-Pacific region to the Secretary’s decision to break precedent and make her first foreign trip to Asia. And U.S. engagement with the Pacific region only has grown over the past three years, as I’ll highlight in a moment." Full Text»
Paula Schriefer Joins Department of State’s Bureau of International Organization Affairs
The Bureau of International Organization Affairs is pleased to welcome Paula Schriefer, who joined the Bureau on May 7 as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. Prior to assuming this position, Ms Schriefer was vice president for global programs at Freedom House, where she oversaw Freedom House's global activities on freedom of expression, internet freedom, religious freedom, and advocacy efforts at the United Nations. Full Biography»
