UN Secretary-General António Guterres was deeply saddened to learn of his death. He described Mr. Turner as “a visionary whose conviction, generosity and bold spirit left a lasting mark on the United Nations and our world.”
UN multi-billion dollar boost
“Ted Turner believed in the United Nations – and its purpose – at a decisive moment. And He invested in that mission.“said the Secretary General in a statement.
“Ted Turner bet on humanity – and In the process he helped strengthen his own country’s security and reinforce our common values..”
In September 1997, Turner pledged $1 billion to the United Nations to support the Organization and its causes.
This commitment – and the establishment of the United Nations Foundation the following year – represented the largest single philanthropic donation in history at the time.
The Foundation, which operates as an independent charity, works closely with the United Nations on key priorities such as sustainable development, disease prevention and the promotion of gender equality.
A ‘bridge builder’ and champion
Elizabeth Cousens, president and CEO, said Turner “was a Consummate bridge builder and tireless defender of our common humanity. as well as our shared responsibility to steward our exquisite and fragile planet for the future.”
Following a devastating earthquake in Pakistan about two decades ago, the United Nations Foundation pledged $1 million to support immediate response efforts, as well as establishing a fund to help other affected countries.
“Once again, survivors of the disaster have turned to the UN and the international community in their time of need,” Turner said at the time.
“The world needs UN leadership in these times, and the UN needs the world’s support..”
Former Secretary-General Kofi Annan (left) and Ted Turner at the opening of the Millennium World Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders for Peace, meeting in New York in August 2000.
A lasting legacy
The Secretary-General said Turner’s legacy goes beyond his commitment of resources, underscoring his continued advocacy for the United Nations and the importance of diplomacy.
“Ted Turner never stopped pushing for a better world, and for a better world through the United Nations,” he recalled.
“It helped expand our reach, mobilize alliances and drive action on many of the defining challenges of our time, from global health to peace, human rights and protecting our planet.”
The Secretary-General concluded the statement by expressing his deep gratitude “for your extraordinary commitment to solving international problems and your unwavering support for the ideals of the Charter of the United Nations.”
He said Turner’s legacy endures “as we continue to fight for a stronger United Nations and a better world for all.”
Ted Turner, president of the United Nations Foundation and Turner Enterprises, poses for a photo with a group of girls at the official launch of UN Women in February 2011.