Charting a new course in the world

Ambassador Susan Rice
August 12, 2009
04:47 PM EDT

This afternoon I’ll deliver a speech at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs focused on how the Obama Administration is charting a new course in the world, and taking a whole new approach at the United Nations.

I have to confess, it’s a great moment to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Everyone notices when a superpower becomes an agent of change—in word and deed, in policy and tone. We are demonstrating that the United States is willing to listen, respect differences, and consider new ideas. Even more importantly, we are advancing our interests and making Americans safer.

Today, as we steer a new course at the United Nations, our guiding principles are clear: We value the UN as a vehicle for advancing U.S. policies and universal rights. We work for change from within rather than criticizing from the sidelines. We stand strong in defense of America’s interests and values, but we don’t dissent just to be contrary. We listen to states great and small. We build coalitions. We meet our responsibilities. We pay our bills. We push for real reform. And we remember that, in an interconnected world, what’s good for others is often good for America as well.

Just six months into the new Administration, President Obama’s "new era of engagement" is well underway.

Susan Rice is the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations