Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb has a new but unofficial title: ambassador.
Webb, who has been at the United Nations since Friday, was one of three people announced Tuesday as nominees to serve as “public delegates,” helping the U.S. mission at the U.N. Two members of Congress also are selected as public delegates.
“I think it’s pretty special,” Webb said. “It’s an amazing process to watch all of these delegates and diplomats from all across the world descend on New York.”
He has yet to be confirmed, but he said he’s already being referred to as “Ambassador Webb.” His actual title until his confirmation is senior adviser to the State Department.
Webb was on the floor Tuesday with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice as President Barack Obama addressed the United Nations about climate change.
“People are excited about the engagement of the United States with the U.N.,” Webb said. “It’s much more than it has been in the past.”
Webb’s nomination was among several announced Tuesday by the White House.
“I am grateful for the willingness of these fine individuals to serve my administration and am confident that they will represent our nation well,” Obama said.
Webb is CEO of Webb International, a consulting firm he formed after leaving the mayor’s office. He served three terms, from 1991 to 2003.
Lynn Bartels: 303-954-5327 or lbartels@denverpost.com
