Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Ted Turner, American businessman and founder of CNN, has died at his home in Florida at age 87. The United Nations is honoring him for his lasting support of the organization and its mission.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed sadness at the news and described Turner as "a visionary whose conviction, generosity, and audacious spirit left a lasting imprint on the United Nations and our world."
In 1997, Turner pledged $1 billion to the UN to advance its work. This unprecedented commitment led to the creation of the United Nations Foundation, an independent charity supporting the UN on priorities like sustainable development, disease prevention, and gender equality.
UN Foundation President and CEO Elizabeth Cousens called Turner "a consummate bridgebuilder and tireless champion for our common humanity and our shared responsibility to steward our exquisite and fragile planet for the future."
Turner also contributed to international disaster relief, including a $1 million donation to the UN Foundation after a major earthquake in Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of the UN's leadership during global crises and called for continued world support.
The Secretary-General highlighted Turner's continued advocacy for the UN and diplomacy, noting that he persistently pushed for improved global cooperation by expanding reach, building partnerships, and addressing critical global challenges.