Despite the successes of the Obama administration at the United Nations—from the robust sanctions on Iran and North Korea to the significant progress seen at the Human Rights Council to the efforts to combat the famine in Horn of Africa—the United States faces political and budgetary pressures that could restrict, diminish, or condition U.S. engagement in this crucial international institution. In the current climate, the need to maintain, leverage, and bolster our multilateral partnerships in order to advance U.S. interests and address a range of critical national security priorities couldn’t be more evident.
Please join keynote speaker Dr. Esther Brimmer, Assistant Secretary for International Organizations Affairs, for a discussion of the critical role the United States plays at the United Nations to ensure the organization can continue to address the broad and growing range of global challenges. Assistant Secretary Brimmer will also discuss ongoing administration efforts to ensure the United Nations and its institutions are more effective, efficient, and transparent.
Following Assistant Secretary Brimmer’s remarks, featured panelists Nancy Soderberg and Rich Williamson will continue the discussion and also explore how potential congressional initiatives might make U.S. multilateral engagement and this important collaboration at the United Nations and internationally more difficult, just when we need it most. Sustainable Security Executive Director John Norris will kick off the event and Associate Director Sarah Margon will moderate the discussion.
Keynote speaker:
Dr. Esther Brimmer, Assistant Secretary for International Organizations Affairs, Department of State
Featured panelists:
Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, President, Connect U.S. Fund; former Ambassador to the United Nations for Special Political Affairs and former Deputy National Security Advisor
Ambassador Richard S Williamson, Partner, Salisbury Strategies; former Assistant Secretary for International Organizations; former Ambassador to the UN for Special Political Affairs, UN offices in Vienna and UN Commission on Human Rights
Moderated by:
Sarah Margon, Associate Director, Sustainable Security and Peacebuilding, Center for American Progress