UN mourns CNN founder Ted Turner, a ‘tireless champion for our common humanity’

The founder of the pioneering Cable News Network, CNN – which created the global 24-hour news cycle – died on Wednesday at his home in Florida. He was 87.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. He described Mr. Turner as “a visionary whose conviction, generosity and audacious spirit left a lasting imprint on the United Nations and our world.”

Billion-dollar UN boost

“Ted Turner believed in the United Nations – and in its purpose – at a defining moment. And he invested in that mission,” the Secretary-General said in a statement.

“Ted Turner bet on humanity – and in the process helped strengthen the security of his own country and reinforce our common values.”

In September 1997, Mr. Turner pledged $1 billion to the UN to support the Organization and its causes.

This commitment – and the establishment of the United Nations Foundation the following year – represented the largest individual philanthropic gift in history at the time.

The Foundation – which operates as an independent charity – works closely with the UN on core priorities such as sustainable development, preventing disease, and promoting gender equality.

A ‘bridgebuilder’ and champion

Elizabeth Cousens, the President and CEO, said Mr. Turner “was a consummate bridgebuilder and tireless champion for our common humanity as well as our shared responsibility to steward our exquisite and fragile planet for the future.”

Following a devastating earthquake in Pakistan some two decades ago, the UN Foundation committed $1 million to support the immediate response efforts, in addition to establishing a fund to help other affected countries.

“Once again, survivors of disaster have turned to the UN and the international community in their time of need,” Mr. Turner said at the time.

“The world needs the UN’s leadership in these times, and the UN needs the world's support.”

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Former Secretary-General Kofi Annan (left) and Ted Turner at the opening of the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious, Spiritual Leaders meeting in New York in August 2000.

A lasting legacy

The Secretary-General said Mr. Turner’s legacy goes beyond his commitment of resources, underscoring his ongoing advocacy for the United Nations and the importance of diplomacy.

“Ted Turner never stopped pushing for the world to do better, and to do better through the United Nations,” he recalled.

“He helped expand our reach, mobilise partnerships, and drive action on many of the defining challenges of our time – from global health to peace, human rights, and the protection of our planet.”

The Secretary-General concluded the statement by expressing deep gratitude “for his extraordinary commitment to international problem-solving and his unwavering support for the ideals of the United Nations Charter.”

He said Mr. Turner’s legacy endures “as we keep striving for a stronger United Nations and a better world for all.”

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Ted Turner, Chairman of the United Nations Foundation and Turner Enterprises, poses for a photo with a group of young girls at the official launch of UN Women in February 2011.