Severe ramifications: Assessing the potential impact of Trump's departure from UN organizations on Geneva
With the new administration in power, here's a lowdown on the potential repercussions of US's withdrawal from international organizations based in Geneva, like the WHO, UNHCR, and WTO. Let's dive in!
Right off the bat, Donald Trump made it clear during his inauguration that he'd be pulling the US out of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other UN agencies in Geneva, as part of his dislike for multilateralism. Since then, the WHO has been on the list to be axed alongside other international entities based in the city.
According to some experts, Trump's likely to continue this trend, which could seriously impact Geneva in a multitude of ways. The US currently contributes close to 26% of funding for Geneva's international organizations, and if that's cut, the future of these organizations and their workers would be thrown into doubt, especially for American staff.
International Geneva, as it's known, is a significant economic driver for the region, with over 35,000 workers from more than 190 countries employed throughout these organizations. Thousands more work for the hundreds of NGOs based in Geneva, accounting for around 10% of jobs in the city.
These workers generate revenues for local businesses and service industries, including travel, retail, health, and real estate. The region also welcomes more than 4,000 annual visits of heads of state and government, ministers, and other dignitaries.
In all, the US contributes 18% to the WHO's funding, and with its withdrawal set for 2026, this could have far-reaching consequences. Experts predict that withdrawal could result in financial shortfalls, job losses, and even affect the local economy's reputation as a hub for international organizations.
Former Swiss president, Micheline Calmy-Rey, has warned that US withdrawals could have "serious consequences on the economy of Geneva." With the shift in focus on global warming and the Paris Climate Agreement, Trump may pull the US out of other Geneva-based organizations like the World Meteorological Organisation, UN Refugee Agency, and World Trade Organisation.
The French communities bordering Geneva, often referred to as the 'Greater Geneva area,' would also be impacted. Some UN employees, including Americans, live in these communities, so their departure would affect these areas as well. Despite the potential challenges, Geneva authorities are working to find other sources of financing to help affected agencies and their employees, at least temporarily.
With the US withdrawing funding from international organizations based in Geneva, one question we're all asking is: will you be affected? Let us know what you think by emailing us at news@our website or leaving a comment below.
Footnotes:
- Significant job cuts seen at WHO, Oxfam says
- WHO Facing Shortfall Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
- WHO Faces Financial Crisis as Some Countries Cut Covid-19 Donations
- The potential repercussions of the US's withdrawal from international organizations based in Geneva, like the WHO, UNHCR, and WTO, could lead to significant job cuts, according to Oxfam.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) is facing a financial crisis amid the coronavirus pandemic due to funding cuts from some countries, including the US.
- In addition to the WHO, the WHO may also face financial shortfalls and job losses due to the US's withdrawal, as it contributes 18% to the organization's funding.
- The departure of American staff from international organizations based in Geneva, like the WHO, could have implications for the French communities bordering Geneva, often referred to as the 'Greater Geneva area.'
