Is Geneva at risk of losing UN organizations to other countries?
Geneva’s long-standing position as the hub of international diplomacy is gradually eroding as a result of the financial cuts the US has forced on the UN. These days, the danger is not limited to the Trump administration, which has already reduced financing for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Health Organization (WHO), and several other Geneva-based organizations and non-governmental organizations that don’t align with the US president’s agenda.
Other nations are jumping at the chance to host foreign organizations on their soil as a result of similar actions. The Tribune de Genève (TDG) reports that Doha, the city of Qatar, and Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, both wish to assume the Geneva position.
UN funding has been declining as a result of the US’s slow withdrawal from the conflict. Other countries eager to establish their presence in a more decentralized multilateral system have become more ambitious as a result of this budget cut, according to the TDG. The publication also stated that Qatar is now in a position to host some UN events after Rwanda formally offered to do so.
The Emir’s brother is leading a team of about 40 persons who just arrived in Geneva and apparently expressed their desire to host the UN center. The TDG stated that “the idea of such a relocation has sent shockwaves through Geneva’s diplomatic circles,” even if the specifics of the offer are still undisclosed.
The TDG claims that Qatar’s offer is not arbitrary because the Emirate has made a name for itself as a significant humanitarian hub, providing funds for projects in politically delicate regions including Palestine, Sudan, Syria, and Afghanistan.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has been headquartered in Geneva since 1863, for example, inked a headquarters agreement with Doha in March 2023, ensuring the organization’s favorable legal standing in the nation.
Doha’s plan is “part of a coherent strategy, but it comes as a huge disappointment to Switzerland,” the TDG said.
The canton and city clearly desire to retain the United Nations. In order to do this, the parliament of Geneva enacted a resolution to protect UN and NGO organizations located there. Bern is also urged by the resolution to create a national plan to advance the importance and influence of international organizations. This action comes after the cantonal assembly approved 10 million francs in emergency help for NGOs in February.
With 80 million francs set aside for the WHO, the federal government declared its commitment to helping Geneva weather the financial crisis. In support of international Geneva, other pledges have also been made, such as the ongoing renovations at the Palais des Nations.
