Potential Relocation of UN Organizations from Geneva to Foreign Nations: A Possibility to Consider
Facing budget reductions imposed by the U.S. on the United Nations, Geneva's prestigious role as a center of global diplomacy appears to be diminishing. The looming threat is not solely attributed to the Trump administration, which has already curtailed funding for organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), among others that do not align with the President's agenda.
These cuts have resulted in other countries vying to host international organizations on their territory. According to the Tribune de Genève, both Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, and Doha, Qatar's capital, are potential contenders for Geneva's role.
Why is this happening? The Tribune de Genève reports that the weakening of the UN's budget, due to the gradual U.S. withdrawal, has intensified the ambitions of nations seeking to exert influence in an increasingly fragmented multilateral system. After Rwanda's official offer to host certain UN functions, it is now Qatar's turn.
A delegation led by the Emir's brother has recently visited Geneva, expressing Qatar's interest in hosting the UN hub. Although the details of the offer remain confidential, the suggestion of such a relocation has caused a stir in Geneva's diplomatic circles. Qatar's offer is part of a strategic approach, as the Emirate has established itself as a significant humanitarian hub, funding operations in politically sensitive regions such as Palestine, Sudan, Syria, and Afghanistan.
In March 2023, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) signed a headquarters agreement with Doha, providing the organization, founded and based in Geneva since 1863, with a favorable legal status in the country.
Geneva, aware of the threat, is taking measures to maintain its status as a hub for international organizations. The city's parliament has passed a resolution to protect UN and NGO agencies on its territory, and has also called on Bern to develop a national strategy to boost the significance and impact of international organizations. This initiative follows a vote by the cantonal parliament in February, approving emergency aid of 10 million francs for NGOs. On the federal level, the government has pledged support, earmarking 80 million francs for the WHO and making other commitments in favor of International Geneva, including renovation work at the Palais des Nations.
- The financial reductions imposed by the U.S. on the United Nations have led to a shift in the focus of international organizations, with countries like Rwanda and Qatar expressing interest in hosting these organizations, as reported by the Tribune de Genève.
- Amidst the competition to host international organizations, Qatar's offer to host the UN hub is a strategic move, considering its role as a significant humanitarian hub, funding operations in various politically sensitive regions, as evidenced by the recent ICRC headquarters agreement with Doha.
