Better World Campaign Builds Support, Understanding for UN Efforts.

• Author: Cuttino, Phyllis

In September 1997, businessman and philanthropist R. E. (Ted) Turner made an historic gift of $1 billion in support of the United Nations and its global goals. He chose to channel his global commitment toward the United Nations because it remains the primary international forum for peace and progress.

To administer the gift, to be funded in 10 annual installments valued at $100 million each, the United Nations Foundation (UNF) and its sister organization--the Better World Fund (BWF)--were created to support the United Nations goals and objectives, with special emphasis on economic, social, environmental and humanitarian causes, and its efforts on behalf of the environment, population stabilization and children's health. BWF promotes the United Nations and supports activities designed to educate the global public about United Nations work, its importance in the world and its proud record of accomplishments.

During the first 12 months of operation, primary emphasis was placed on the establishment of UNF's grant-making programme in support of UN development assistance efforts on key global challenges--children's health, population and women, and the environment.

In 1999, while the grant-making programme has been expanded and fundraising initiatives have begun, special efforts have been made through BWF to "tell the UN story". Most importantly, the Better World Campaign (BWC), a BWF programmatic initiative, was launched in early 1999 to help educate the public and leaders in the United States about the important work of the United Nations.

Special emphasis and urgency have been given to the issue of United States arrears to the United Nations and the importance of all nations honouring their commitments to the Organization. The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) has been a special partner in the campaign, given its long-standing leadership in grass-roots public education.

Together with UNA-USA and organizations like the Emergency Coalition for Financial Support of the United Nations, BWC worked to bring nationwide attention to the issue of the United States' debt to the United Nations and the vital role played by the United Nations around the world. These efforts included broad-based outreach in various locations across the country, educational efforts aimed at policy makers in the United States Administration and Congress, paid advertising about the UN role and accomplishments, and an array of events...