Global Issues
The great challenges of the early 21st century are global in nature—issues that transcend the capabilities and resources of any one nation or sector. Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan labeled them "problems without passports" and we are focused on bringing together all the parties—individuals, foundations, corporations, other organizations—to help foster global, lasting change.
Our areas of focus include:
CHILDREN'S HEALTH
Each year, nearly 10 million children under 5 years of age die from common and preventable diseases such as measles and malaria. The good news is that millions of children can be protected through broad-based immunizations and health campaigns. Our Children’s Health Team works with the UN, the private sector and NGOs to advance these immunization campaigns. Together, we are making progress in strengthening health systems and preventing childhood disease and mortality. Read more »
CLIMATE & ENERGY
Energy is essential to human progress in the 21st century. Energy powers transformation, provides heat, brings light and drives the machinery that fuels the global economy. But the type of energy we use, how we use it and who has access to it have profound implications for the earth and its inhabitants. Our Energy & Climate Change Team works with the UN to help transition the world toward a clean, climate-friendly energy economy. Read more »
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The roster of more than 870 official World Heritage sites includes such treasures as Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, Mexico’s Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Virunga National Park, a gorilla habitat in the Congo. Our Sustainable Development Team, working with the UN, helps protect these renowned World Heritage sites by nurturing local enterprises and jobs supportive of conservation and responsible travel. Read more »
TECHNOLOGY
Today more than 3.5 billion mobile phones are in use around the world, with the highest rates of mobile technology adoption occurring in developing countries. Mobile technology is not only changing the way societies work, live and communicate but it is also presenting promising opportunities for addressing key global challenges. Our Technology Team works with the UN and the private sector to harness mobile technology in service of global development and humanitarian aims. Read more »
WOMEN & POPULATION
Empowering women and girls is essential in the global drive to eliminate poverty, achieve social justice and stabilize the world’s population. Our Women & Population Team works together with the UN and other partners to promote gender equality and empower women and girls, with special focus on realizing internationally recognized reproductive and sexual health and rights. Read more »
THE UNITED NATIONS
The world’s great global challenges cannot be overcome without broad-based international cooperation under the auspices of the United Nations. From stemming the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the advance of climate change to improving children’s health and human rights, the United Nations is the world’s platform for forging shared global peace, prosperity and justice. We, along with our sister organization, the Better World Fund, advocate for a strong, effective and fully funded United Nations. Read more »
