Ted Turner’s $1 billion pledge to support the United Nations was the largest individual charitable gift in modern history at the time, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Nov. 9.
Guterres credited Turner’s support with helping the UN reach more people and build partnerships through the United Nations Foundation. The United Nations published his memorial message on Nov. 9 under the title “Follow Lead of Visionary Ted Turner Who ‘Bet Big on Humanity’, Secretary-General Urges in Memorial Message Hailing Late Philanthropist’s Generous UN Investment”.
Turner’s contribution demonstrated how support for the UN could serve a shared future, Guterres said in the video message for the memorial in New York. He described the pledge as an example of philanthropy whose importance has endured. His assessment concerned both the size of the gift at the time and its continuing significance as an example of charitable giving.
Guterres said Turner helped the UN bring together new partners and support efforts to address problems around the world. He credited Turner’s work with helping protect people from disease and improve global health. The message linked the expansion of the UN’s reach through the United Nations Foundation with its ability to bring partners together in support of that work.
Turner also supported efforts to tackle climate change, promote clean energy and protect the variety of life on Earth, Guterres said. The secretary-general included conservation among the causes Turner championed. His account of Turner’s environmental work covered both efforts to address climate change and efforts to protect life on the planet.
Guterres also praised Turner’s commitment to nuclear disarmament, saying he continued to press for humanity to move away from the threat of nuclear annihilation. He placed that advocacy alongside Turner’s work on health and the environment.
“Ted Turner bet big on humanity,” Guterres said. He described Turner’s view of wealth as a planet fit to live on, where everyone could enjoy safety and dignity. That view brought together the goals of a liveable planet and a life of safety and dignity for all its people.
Turner regarded his work with the UN as the best investment he had ever made, Guterres said. The secretary-general called for carrying forward Turner’s belief in a stronger United Nations and a better world, while remembering his generosity and willingness to pursue ambitious goals. The message thus paired remembrance of Turner’s support with a call to continue pursuing the goals in which he had believed.
