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Date: 04/12/2011 Description: Cote d'Ivoire © UN Image Date: 02/28/2011 Location: Geneva, Switzerland Description: Secretary Clinton speaks at a press conference at the United Nations Office at Geneva, Switzerland.  © State Dept ImageEric Bridiers Date: 04/12/2011 Description: Syrian protests © AP Image Date: 04/07/2011 Location: UNESCO Paris Description: DipNote Blog: UNESCO Youth Forum Application Process Open. © AP Image

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. 


Esther Brimmer Presents U.S. Priorities at UN Human Rights Council 22 Opening
Date: 02/26/2013 Location: Geneva, Switzerland Description: Assistant Secretary Brimmer addressed the High Level Segment of the 22nd Session of the United Nations High Level Segment February 26. © UN Image
Assistant Secretary Brimmer (Feb 26): "But as I speak here today for the first time since the United States was elected to a second term on the Human Rights Council, I must say that for all these achievements, the work of the Council remains unfinished, so long as any of us cannot exercise those fundamental rights that we all share by virtue of our common humanity. It is toward those unfinished tasks that we must devote ourselves in this twenty-second session, and beyond." Full Text»


A/S Brimmer Remarks to UNESCO WSIS+10 Ministerial Panel
Assistant Secretary Brimmer (Feb. 25):
"At the same time, we cannot deny that our progress toward bridging the digital divide and promoting a global innovation society would have been seriously hampered, had we not ensured that our international telecommunications infrastructure remains open and accessible to all. The power of information and communications technologies to spur economic and social development has depended on the ability of people everywhere to engage with one another, to create, utilize, and share information, to achieve their fullest potential." Full Text»


Assistant Secretary Brimmer’s Travel to Paris and Geneva
Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Esther Brimmer will travel to Paris, France, February 25 to represent the United States at UNESCO’s 10-year review event for the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS+10). Assistant Secretary Brimmer will serve as head of delegation and deliver the U.S. statement on WSIS+10 at the high-level debate. February 26, Assistant Secretary Brimmer will travel to Geneva, Switzerland, for the commencement of the 22nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC). While in Geneva, Assistant Secretary Brimmer will deliver the U.S. intervention at the opening session February 26, to lay out U.S. priorities at the HRC. For updates, follow Assistant Secretary Brimmer on twitter @State_IO.


First-Ever International Forever Stamp Unveiled at the United Nations
Date: 02/21/2013 Description: First-ever International Forever Stamp © U.S. Postal ServiceThe U.S. Postal Service released its first ever global stamp at the United Nations headquarters in New York
Ambassador Torsella (Feb. 21): This gorgeous stamp reinforces that truth. The United States remains committed to the idea of cooperation with our international partners – in this case to facilitate international postal communications. At a time when some customers question the future of the postal sector as we know it, this stamp is a symbol of the U.S. Postal Service’s enduring and laudable commitment. The Global Forever stamp unveiled today is another important step in a global network of communication and commerce that reflects American values, serves American interests, and helps America prosper. Full Text»


Food Security and Minimizing Postharvest Loss
Under Secretary Robert Hormats (Feb. 19):
"The scale of post-harvest food loss is tragic. Nearly one-third of global agricultural production never makes it to the consumer or arrives in poor condition. Beyond the threat to food security, post-harvest losses adversely affect farmers and consumers in the lowest income groups. And, post-harvest food losses are a waste of valuable farming inputs, such as water, energy, land, labor, and capital. Having lived in East Africa earlier in my life, I saw the magnitude of post-harvest food losses in that region, and the tragic repercussions for human hunger, loss of farmer income, and harm to economic growth."  Full Text»


U.S. Announces Additional Funding in Response to Syria Crisis
Feb. 19:
The United States is providing an additional $19 million in humanitarian assistance in response to urgent needs emanating from the brutal conflict in Syria. On January 29, President Obama announced an additional $155 million to help those suffering inside Syria and refugees in the neighboring countries. Today’s announcement brings the United States total contribution of humanitarian support in response to this crisis to nearly $385 million. Full Text»


Meeting the President’s Challenge To End Extreme PovertyDate: 10/09/2008 Location: Bornet, Kenya Description: Kenyan boys harvest maize. © AP File Photo
DipNote Posted by Jonathan Shrier and Lona Stoll (Feb. 17): "In many places, people live on little more than a dollar a day. By standard definition, this means less than $1.25 a day. That won't buy a latte, let alone a healthy lunch here in the United States. Hunger and poverty are inextricably linked. Through Feed the Future, we're working to achieve the President's vision to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger in our lifetime. This is our generation's legacy to leave. And reducing poverty is more than just a goal: It's achievable, and we are already seeing results." Full Text»


Strengthening UN Relations
Secretary Kerry (Feb. 14): "So we’re grateful for the leadership that is exhibited by the Secretary General, and I am committed on behalf of President Obama to make certain that we strengthen our relationship with the UN even further in the years ahead." Full Text»

 

 


Joint Statement by the India - U.S. Joint Working Group on UN Peacekeeping
Date: 02/13/2013 Description: Members of the U.S. and the Indian Delegation pose after their morning meetings for the U.S. Joint Working Group on UN Peacekeeping at the State Department. - State Dept ImageFollowing is the text of a joint statement issued by the United States of America and the Government of India at the conclusion of the India – U.S. Joint Working Group on UN Peacekeeping, on February 13, 2013 in Washington, DC:

The India-U.S. Joint Working Group on UN Peacekeeping, which was given greater impetus by the meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Singh in November 2010, held its 10th meeting in Washington on February 13, 2013. The Indian delegation was led by Ministry of External Affairs Joint Secretary for United Nations Political Affairs Pavan Kapoor, and comprised officials from the Indian Ministries of External Affairs, Defence, and Home Affairs. The U.S. delegation was led by Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Esther Brimmer, and comprised officials from the U.S. Departments of State and Defense. At the meeting, India and the United States advanced a number of goals laid out in the Declaration of Principles the Joint Working Group agreed upon in 2011. The Joint Working Group also continued in-depth consultations on UN peacekeeping issues, and explored an agreement on a set of Principles of India-U.S. Cooperation in the Area of Training UN Peacekeepers and institutional arrangements between their peacekeeping institutions. 


State Department Contributes an Initial $171 Million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Date: 10/01/1999 Location: Dili, East Timor Description: East Timor: Return of Internally Displaced Persons.  A UNHCR worker prepares repatriation kits which are distributed to returnees. The kits include plastic sheeting, a blanket, a gerrycan and soap.  © USUN Image
Washington, DC (Feb. 11): The United States is pleased to announce an initial contribution of over $171 million toward the 2013 operations of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This year’s initial contribution funded through the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, will support UNHCR efforts worldwide. This funding includes support for refugees returning to countries such as Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo; local integration and resettlement; and protection and life-saving assistance. U.S. funding supports the provision of water, shelter, food, healthcare, and education to refugees, internally displaced persons, and other persons under UNHCR’s care and protection in countries such as Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Georgia, Colombia, South Sudan, and Kenya. Full Text»


Secretary Kerry Calls UN Secretary-General Ban
Date: 02/05/2013 Description: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speaks by telephone with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon from his Inner Office at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., February 5, 2013. - State Dept Image
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speaks by telephone with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon from his Inner Office at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., February 5, 2013.
 

 


Why it Matters that Ireland is on the UN Human Rights Council: A Preview of Upcoming Issues
Date: 05/23/2012 Location: Washington, DC Description: Paula Schriefer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of International Organization Affairs
 - State Dept Image
Drumcondra, Dublin (Jan 25): Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs, Paula Schriefer spoke to a group at Belvedere House, St Patrick's College: “Since joining the Council in 2009, I would say quite honestly, the U.S. has helped to transform the Council into a more balanced and credible organization. It’s helped focus the global spotlight on grave human rights violations….(W)e all equally have a role to play in ensuring that the world’s only global human rights body actually does its job of advancing the realization of human rights in every part of our globe." Watch Video»


U.S. Humanitarian Response to the Crisis in Syria
Assistant Secretary for Populations, Refugees and Migration and USAID Assistant Administrator Lindborg Discuss their Recent Trip and U.S. Government aid to the Syrian people

Date: 01/08/2013 Description: A Syrian refugee boy runs to his family tent at Zaatari Syrian refugee camp, near the Syrian border in Mafraq, Jordan.  © AP ImageAssistant Administrator Lindborg: Anne and I were joined by Ambassador Robert Ford and took a very important trip, I think, to Jordan, Turkey, and ending in Kuwait, really with three primary goals. One was to underscore the United States’ commitment to the people of Syria during this rising humanitarian crisis. Secondly was to raise awareness as we move into a more urgent phase of need. And three was to urge other countries to step forward and contribute as we went into the Kuwait pledging conference. Full Text»


The United Nations Wants to Hear From You!
Vote For The Changes that Would Make the Most Difference to Your World

Date: 02/07/2013 Description: UN My World logo. © USUN Image

The United Nations and partners want to hear from YOU! MY World is a global survey asking you to choose your priorities for a better world. Results will be shared with world leaders in setting the next global development agenda. Tell the United Nations about the world you want, because your voice matters. Learn More»


Nomination of Poverty Point State Historic Site to UNESCO World Heritage List
The United States is pleased to announce the nomination of Poverty Point State Historic Site and National Monument in West Carroll Parish, Louisiana for inclusion on the World Heritage List. This unique site features a vast, integrated complex of earthen monuments constructed more than 3,000 years ago by a vanished people who lived in the Lower Mississippi Valley. The nomination of Poverty Point will be considered for inscription by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in the summer of 2014. If approved by the Committee, this will be the first designated World Heritage Site in the United States since 2010, and would join the 21 sites in the U.S. already inscribed on the World Heritage List. Full Text»


 

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