International Focus Magazine Vol. 2, #1 | Page 33

Pictured : Liz Schrayer
Tillerson has been a strong voice for America ’ s global engagement to advance energy access and production around the world . He has promoted access to electricity for “ billions of people living in abject poverty ”. In speeches to the Asia Society Global Forum and the Council on Foreign Relations , Tillerson linked the need for electricity to meeting “ basic needs like clean water , cooking , sanitation , light , or for the safe storage of food and medicine ” calling it a “ humanitarian imperative ”.
In addition , Tillerson served on the Center for Strategic and International Studies ’ Commission on Smart Global Health Policy , which concluded in its 2010 report that the U . S . “ can better the lives of the world ’ s citizens and advance its own interests by investing strategically in global health ”. Under his leadership , ExxonMobil ’ s foundation has invested in global development efforts focused on eradicating malaria and empowering women . As of 2016 , the foundation has provided significant resources in over 90 countries to advance female entrepreneurship , fight disease , and promote clean energy solutions . While Tillerson has not made statements on the overall International Affairs Budget , the foundation has partnered with USAID and the President ’ s Malaria Initiative along with NGOs including PSI and the United Nations Foundation ( UNF ).
In 2011 , Tillerson was presented a global leadership award by the UNF . In his acceptance speech , he called global health and poverty “ obstacles that must be overcome to achieve future progress ” and praised publicprivate partnerships for addressing key global economic and social challenges . He also described malaria as a “ threat ” to Exxon employees , the communities where they work , and economic development in Africa .
As the confirmation process starts
on Capitol Hill , Tillerson ’ s relationship with Russia and what that means for diplomacy has already garnered significant scrutiny from both Republican and Democratic senators . Issues such as his personal relationship with President Vladimir Putin , the Order of Friendship award he received from Russia in 2013 , and his company ’ s critique of sanctions on the country have already raised questions . At the same time , he has earned the support of several well-respected former cabinet officials including Secretaries Bob Gates , Condoleezza Rice , and James Baker .
At ExxonMobil , Tillerson has described himself and his company as “ free market , free trade advocates ” and has been a supporter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership . He is an honorary trustee of the Business Council for International Understanding and a trustee of the Center for Strategic and International Studies . iF Magazine | www . iFMagazine . net 33