Economic Statecraft Day

To honor economic statecraft day, the Bureau of International Organizational Affairs offers these fast facts on how the United States works in the multilateral arena to promote economic issues.

Protected Intellectual Property

Did you know that even music legend Beyonce Knowles turned to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva when she discovered that somebody was cybersquatting on her trademark? WIPO heard her case and found in her favor. When it comes to Intellectual property, patents and trademarks this little known international organization plays a key role on the world’s economic stage. This specialized agency adds value to the global economy in the 21st century by promoting innovation, creativity, and investment. American participation and leadership in WIPO is economic statecraft in action. Read More

Promoting US Values at the International Labor Organization

Aung San Suu Kyi kicked off her historic trip to Europe with a stop in Geneva, where she spoke to the International Labor Organization (ILO) calling for international aid and investment to help build a better future for Myanmar and highlighted the problems of youth unemployment. During the human rights activists decades of imprisonment the ILO stood by her by shining a bright and focused spotlight on slavery and child labor in her country. The ILO is another example of an international organization which helps promote U.S. values through economic statecraft. Read More | Read Aung Suu Kyi’s Statement

Robust Global Communications

The internet revolutionized the way individuals communicate. The advent of the internet is as profound to 21st century economic statecraft as electricity was for the previous century. Openness, privacy, and the free flow of information are the principles which enable the internet flourish. The global economy increasingly depends on this expanding and broadening network of communications technologies. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) plays active roles in global broadband development, capacity-building, and best practices on international cyber security and standards setting.

UN Budget Cuts

The UN – with support from the United States -- agreed to budget cuts this year for only the second time in 50 years? UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the new budget reflects the commitment of the world body to "do more and better with less" at a time when governments and people everywhere are struggling. Leading Reform at the United Nations