“A New Course in the World, a New Approach at the UN”

On August 12, US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice gave a major policy speech at New York University on US-UN Relations. In "A New Course in the World, A New Approach at the UN" she offers thoughts about how the United States is changing its course in the world, and particularly and dramatically the US approach to the United Nations. She notes three core premises: (1) "...the global challenges we face cannot be met without U.S. leadership." (2) "While U.S. leadership is necessariy, it's rarely sufficient." and (3) "Others will likely shoulder a greater share of the global burden if the United States leads by example, acknowledges mistakes, corrects course when necessary, forges strategies in partnership and treats others with respect."
These premises are consistent with the mission of the United Nations Association, namely, "educating, inspiring and mobilizing Americans to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations, strengthening the United Nations system, promoting constructive United States leadership in that system and achieving the goals of the United Nations Charter."

Rice goes on to say, "..as President Obama has said time and again, America’s security and wellbeing are inextricably linked to those of people everywhere..." Citing examples in Haiti, Liberia and the Congo, she notes that "Building the capacity of fragile states is a major part of our work every day at the United Nations, since it is the UN that is leading the charge in many of the toughest corners of the world. At its best, the UN helps rebuild shattered societies, lay the foundations of democracy and development, and establish conditions in which people can live in dignity and mutual respect."

She further states, "When the United States joins others to confront these challenges, it’s not charity. It’s not even barter. In today’s world, more than ever, America’s interests and our values converge. What is good for others is often good for us. When we manifest our commitment to tackling the threats that menace so many other nations; when we invest in protecting the lives of others; and when we recognize that national security is no longer a zero-sum game, then we increase other countries’ will to cooperate on the issues most vital to us."


Rice ends her speech with a promise: "We work with passion and resolve, because we know that the change that has come to America can also change the world. The time for action is now. The challenges we face are vast. But the opportunities are even greater. And we will seize them—because the United States is back."

The idea of the United States being "back" is a starting point for all those passionate in supporting the UN. The US is paying its back dues, and there are prospects for timely payment to the UN in future in the month of January, rather than end-of-year payments. That kind of support to the UN shows the world indeed that "the United States is back."

Important steps for the US on the world stage will take place in September, when President Obama will address the UN General Assembly on the morning of September 23 at its opening. In September too the US takes its turn for a month as chair of the Security Council. President Obama will chair a high-level meeting of the Security Council on nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament on September 24th.

It is ever more important for those of us who support the UN and a strong, positive role of the US in it, to educate all Americans about the work of the UN and its importance to UN foreign policy and to the world we leave for our children.