Patrick Madden, executive director of the United Nations Association of the USA, spoke to state officials and foreign policy experts Wednesday about Hawaii’s role in solving the world’s most pressing issues.

Madden spoke at the East-West Center about human security and sustainable development and at the State Capitol on issues facing the UN and how residents can engage in UN work.

“Today’s meetings with UNA-USA members in Hawaii, elected officials, and the public represent how important engagement with the island community is for the U.S.-UN relationship,” Madden said in a press release. “Citizens in Hawaii help make up the more than eight in 10 Americans who believe it is important for the U.S. to stand by the UN in its efforts to lead the way in addressing the world’s urgent global conversations and crises.”

Madden also is scheduled to speak later this week at Brigham Young University’s Laie Campus and the University of Hawaii.

Earlier this week, UNA-USA re-launched its Hawaii Island chapter in Hilo.