In reaction to President Biden’s remarks at the UN General Debate, Oxfam America President & CEO Abby Maxman said:
“President Biden today reaffirmed his commitment to fighting the climate crisis, hunger, and rising inequality around the world. Now he and the United States government need to step up with more investments and more action.
“Oxfam welcomes his commitment to collaboration and multilateralism with nations large and small to combat the intersecting challenges stemming from growing worldwide inequality. He did so as many of his peers chose to skip their chance to address the UN and the world.
“Now is the time to for President Biden build on that commitment to be the climate president. He must do all in his power to curb the US’s outsize carbon footprint and bring its resources to bear to address the climate crisis now.
“President Biden confirmed his administration’s commitment to human rights and the UN charter. He promised strong political and financial support for Ukrainians – support that should be mirrored in crises around the world, where hard-fought progress on hunger and disease are being undone by inflation, conflict, and other pressures. The US has long been a leader in fighting hunger but needs still far outstrip the resources that have been given.
“In the face of growing pressure and fracture at home and on the global stage, President Biden must remain steadfast in his commitment to global cooperation and institutions that tackle global poverty, disease, and inequality.
“We cannot tackle one without tackling the others. Time is running out.”