Global community gathers at United Nations to honor the trailblazer who redefined media, conservation, and modern philanthropy

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Diplomatic, business, philanthropic, media, and civil society leaders came together at the UN on November 9 to honor Ted Turner — media, conservation, and philanthropic visionary. The event, “A Call to the Bold: Celebrating the Vision of Ted Turner and Action for A Better World,” commemorated the vision and legacy of the pioneering humanitarian and environmental champion, who passed away in May. The event gathered a roster of champions who have devoted their lives and careers to advancing human dignity, peace, and sustainability.

Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, paid tribute to Turner at the event, co-hosted by the UN and the UN Foundation.

“He saw the world as it was, but he never lost sight of what it could be, and he was prepared to do something about it,” she said. “What Ted gave the world continues to make a difference every single day,” Mohammed said.

In 1997, the trailblazing founder made a $1 billion pledge — representing roughly one-third of his net worth — to support the UN and UN causes, creating the United Nations Foundation.

“Ted gave one of the biggest gifts in philanthropic history to the idea that countries could only solve their biggest problems by working together. That extraordinary gesture is worthy of profound and renewed reflection in these urgent and challenging times,” said Elizabeth Cousens, UN Foundation President and CEO.

“Ted’s gift confirmed what we know to be true: that the UN is truly the only organization that speaks for everyone, gives a seat to everyone, everywhere – where countries exchange words instead of bullets and where, often against the greatest odds, complex issues are tackled for today and tomorrow,” said Sigrid Kaag, Chair of the UN Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, founding CEO of digital media company Rappler, and former CNN journalist, issued a call to action: “Ted showed us how far one man’s ambition can travel when it inspires and brings out the good. So now it’s our turn.”

Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN, civil rights icon, and founding UN Foundation Board Member Andrew Young reflected on Turner’s unwavering commitment to global progress and to the city of Atlanta.

The Turner family attended as guests of honor, including Ted Turner’s daughter Laura Turner Seydel, son-in-law Rutherford Seydel, and grandchildren Vasser Seydel, John R. Seydel, and Laura Elizabeth Seydel.

Turner Seydel, Chair of the Turner Foundation, spoke of her father’s courageous drive: “The institutions he believed in most are under unprecedented pressure. But now is not the time to stand by. Dad never stood by. He stepped up, and he took action.” 

The program featured video tributes from prominent international voices, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan; Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus; former U.S. Vice President Al Gore; business and philanthropic leaders Michael Bloomberg and Ray Dalio; and journalists Christiane Amanpour, Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper, and Nick Kristof.

Musical tributes for “A Call to the Bold” included performances by the famed Harlem Gospel Choir, John Carter Cash and Ana Cristina Cash, and Carolina Rial.

Download photos from “A Call to the Bold.”

Download B-roll from “A Call to the Bold.”

QUOTES FOR ADDITIONAL REPORTING 

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN:

“We remember Ted Turner with admiration for his audacity. With gratitude for his remarkable generosity. And with determination to carry forward his conviction in a stronger United Nations and a better world.”

Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the UN:

“Today, as multilateralism and the UN itself are facing elevated challenges in our uncertain world, it is absolutely critical that we all continue to work tirelessly in championing the very causes and vision that Ted Turner so fiercely advocated.”

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, UN Foundation Board Member: “Ted would want us to have the courage to believe that a better world is still within reach. Ted wasn’t limited by what other people thought possible. And because of that, he managed to get more done in one lifetime than most people ever even imagined.”

Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former Chief Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh:

“His (Ted’s) generosity created an institution. His vision inspired a movement, and his friendship reminded us that the greatest contribution we can make is to believe in people and their capacity to build a better world.”

Baroness Valerie Amos, Master, University College Oxford; former UN Emergency Relief Coordinator; and UN Foundation Board Member:

“Ted made many bets on peace. His giving carried a philosophy with it. He believed those with the ability had a duty to give; and to match the scale of one’s fortune.”

ABOUT THE UN FOUNDATION

The United Nations Foundation has built novel innovations and partnerships to support the United Nations and help solve global problems at scale for over 25 years. As an independent charitable organization, the Foundation was created to work closely with the United Nations to address humanity’s greatest challenges and drive global progress. Learn more at www.unfoundation.org.

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SOURCE United Nations Foundation, Inc.