Source: UN News: Monday, May 11, 2026 00:02 AM
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condoled the demise of Tad Turner, a big businessman, media baron and philanthropist from the United States, and paid tribute to him. Tad Turner died on Wednesday at his home in Florida at the age of 87. The UN chief described Tad Turner as “a visionary” whose tenacity, generosity and bold thinking have left a lasting impression on the United Nations and the world. Tad Turner, the founder of CNN, the pioneer of the 24-hour news cycle, has always shown long-term support of the United Nations and a commitment to its values. “Tad Turner believed in the United Nations and its purpose at a crucial time, and he invested in the mission,” the UN chief said. Tweet URL
He said, “Tad Turner reasserted his faith in humanity, and in the process strengthened our shared values while strengthening our nation’s security.” Historic Contribution… In September 1997, Tad Turner pledged $1 billion to support the United Nations and its causes. This commitment to the United Nations, and the establishment of the United Nations Foundation the following year, was, at the time, the largest individual philanthropic donation in history. The foundation operates as an independent charity that works closely with the United Nations on key issues such as sustainable development, disease prevention and gender equality. Left a deep impactUN Secretary General Said that Tad Turner’s legacy is not limited to the contribution of resources, but is also reflected in his continued support of the United Nations and his emphasis on the importance of diplomacy. “Tad Turner never gave up trying to make the world better and better through the United Nations,” he said, recalling, “He led the way in expanding our reach, strengthening partnerships and taking action on many of the major challenges of global health, peace, human rights and the security of our planet.” The UN chief expressed deep gratitude for “his extraordinary commitment to solving international problems and his unwavering support for the ideals of the UN Charter.” She said Tad Turner’s legacy will endure “as we continue to strive for a stronger United Nations and a better world for all.” Nearly two decades ago, in the wake of a devastating earthquake in Pakistan, the United Nations The foundation committed $1 million to support immediate relief efforts, and also established a fund to help other affected countries. At the time, Tad Turner said, “Once again, victims of disaster are looking to the United Nations and the international community in their time of need.” He said, “At a time like this, the world needs the leadership of the United Nations, and the United Nations needs the support of the world.”