The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) joined thirteen other manufacturing groups today in launching Engaging America’s Global Leadership (EAGL) – a new coalition to address a growing wave of activities at global institutions such as the United Nations that are undermining manufacturing competitiveness and jobs.

The coalition’s industry groups, representing diverse industries such as dairy, chemicals, plastics, footwear and apparel, biotechnology, and consumer products, support strong US leadership in international organizations, as well as initiatives that support these organizations’ core missions and grow manufacturing.

Yet several of these institutions are increasingly engaged in a wide range of activities – from misguided policy proposals based on bad science and resolutions supporting discriminatory price controls to recommendations that would undermine innovation and jobs in manufacturing here in the United States and beyond. Many of these initiatives are out of step with the core missions of these institutions, have not been developed in a manner transparent or accountable to all stakeholders, and are not based on good regulatory practice or sound science. Nevertheless, these initiatives are being used to pressure national governments to adopt specific policies and recommendations that harm manufacturers in the United States and the high-paying jobs U.S. manufacturing creates.

America’s diplomats and government officials both in the administration and Congress must stand up for manufacturing through smart engagement and leadership within these international organizations that holds them accountable and drives progress and reforms that make a difference.

Linda Dempsey is Vice President of International Economic Affairs at the National Association of Manufacturers.