WASHINGTON, DC – Today, in a politically charged Washington, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s (USGLC) annual 2024 Tribute Celebration uniquely convened a massive bipartisan crowd of nearly 800 Members of Congress and Senators, current and future Administration officials, and leaders from across the business, NGO, and military communities to highlight the importance of sustained U.S. engagement on the global stage to build a better world and a stronger America.

At the celebration, USGLC honored U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. A lifelong diplomat whose career of public service spans decades, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield embodies America’s commitment to global leadership and delivering on the security and economic interests of American families here at home. Leading America’s diplomacy at the UN, she has been a tireless leader to confront America’s rivals, push back on authoritarianism, and rally the world against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Respected in capitals around the world, she is one of our nation’s most distinguished and effective diplomats who has called diplomacy an “irreplaceable tool in the work of advancing American interests.”

 “It’s a true honor to be recognized by this esteemed group of leaders and changemakers. Our world today faces many challenges that no one country can or should confront alone,” said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. “But when the United States shows up and leads, we can rally global action to tackle problems that affect us all.”

USGLC also honored champions from Capitol Hill, including incoming Senate Appropriations Chair Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). Throughout her dedicated service in the U.S. Senate, Senator Collins has never hesitated to use her influential voice and vote to highlight the imperative of America’s role in the world. As Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she has worked with Democratic and Republican colleagues to strengthen investments in development and diplomacy.

“Thank you to the USGLC for this recognition. I commend the members of this Coalition for your efforts to strengthen U.S. leadership in the world and keep Americans safe,” said Senator Susan Collins.

Senator John Boozman (R-AR) was also honored as the incoming Chair of the Agriculture Committee and a member of the State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. Senator Boozman has been a central player in ensuring America’s development and diplomacy tools are fully resourced. Senator Boozman understands firsthand that U.S. engagement in the world advances the security and prosperity of Americans at home.

“It is an honor to be recognized alongside such strong advocates for America’s international leadership. During my time in Congress, I have been proud to support foreign assistance programs that not only aid our allies, partners, neighbors and potential new markets, but also serve to bolster U.S. security and economic opportunity,” said Senator John Boozman. “I look forward to continuing to champion our nation’s critical role in saving lives, curing disease and feeding the hungry globally, including by ensuring our farmers have the tools and resources necessary to produce a safe and abundant food supply.”

Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY-5) was honored as the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee for his bipartisan work to advance American leadership on a broad array of global challenges such as combating China’s global influence, fighting global hunger, strengthening human rights, and countering authoritarian malign influence. Representative Meeks has been at the forefront of efforts to address the intensifying global threats facing America and bolster our alliances and partnerships.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition for advancing America’s global leadership,” said Representative Gregory W. Meeks. “In my decades of service on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ve worked to ensure diplomacy and development are seen as both our best defenses and greatest opportunities to achieve a future of peace and prosperity for all.”

“At a time of rising threats abroad, leaders like Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Senator Susan Collins, Senator John Boozman, and Representative Gregory Meeks prove that America’s strength lies in its unity of purpose,” said USGLC President & CEO Liz Schrayer. “They get it: showing up on the world stage with effective diplomacy and global development isn’t just about helping others, it’s about making a difference for America’s kitchen table issues. It’s how we outcompete China, safeguard our security, and grow our economy. I’m enormously proud to see USGLC once again bring together hundreds of bipartisan leaders from across the public and private sectors for this annual celebration of change-makers—because when these champions lead, America wins.”

The USGLC’s annual Tribute Celebration brings together members of the foreign policy and international development community to honor outstanding champions of American global leadership. Tonight’s celebration was co-chaired by C.D. Glin of PepsiCo, Inc., Dr. Jenelle Krishnamoorthy of Merck, and Edgar Sandovalof World Vision.  

Please reach out to Elizabeth Onibokun for video and transcripts of the event.