What’s on Our Minds? U.S. Priorities at the 2012 Meeting of the UN General Assembly

This call was held on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 and featured Dr. Esther Brimmer, Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs, U.S. Department of State. After her presentation, Brimmer took questions from the audience for roughly 30 minutes. The call was moderated by Peter Yeo, Vice President for Public Policy at the United Nations Foundation, and Executive Director of the Better World Campaign.

Assistant Secretary Brimmer focused her presentation on the general tenor of General Assembly week, calling it “a period of concentrated diplomacy”, and offered insights into topics that are expected to be discussed in New York. Topics she touched on included: budget priorities and prudent management reforms; human rights; rule of law; combatting poverty; and sustainable development. Additionally, Brimmer pointed out that country-specific issues surrounding the Syrian conflict, Iranian nuclear pursuits, and the Arab Spring could be discussed.

The question and answer session surrounded topics such as: gender equity; U.S. engagement with the Human Rights Council and UNESCO; climate change; and Security Council Resolution 1325, which is focused on women, peace and security.