In a San Francisco Chronicle opinion piece, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) reflects on her attendance at the 68th session of the U.N. General Assembly. “Every year since the early days of the United Nations, two representatives have been sent from Congress to participate in the U.N. General Assembly,” she notes, adding, “As a longtime advocate for global peace and security, diplomacy and development, I was truly honored by President Obama’s nomination and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s recommendation, as well as her tremendous support and leadership.” She writes, “My goal is to help foster stronger ties, deeper bonds, and increase the United States’ commitment to the vision of the United Nations: a better world for all.”

“At the General Assembly, I’ve focused on three areas: supporting Millennium Development Goals and the formulation of new development goals beyond 2015; supporting the Global Fund in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria; and strengthening the United States’ commitment to engaging the international community,” Lee continues. “This means the integration of economic growth, social justice, environmental protection and development,” she states, adding, “A comprehensive solution will be the only pathway forward, and an important role for the United States is to support the Global Fund with a $5 billion pledge during the next replenishment conference, which will be held in the United States.” She writes, “The promise of an AIDS-free generation is within our grasp, but the world must come together to achieve it” (9/29).