Article shared by Robert Cohen
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Summary
The article raises concerns that the U.S., under the Trump administration's aggressive reforms and isolationist policies, may push for the United Nations to relocate its headquarters out of New York. With bills proposed to withdraw from the U.N. and the dismantling of international commitments, questions have emerged about the future of the 1947 US-UN Headquarters Agreement under which UN Headqarters was located in NYC. If the U.S. no longer honors this treaty, it could force the U.N. to consider moving its HQ, marking a major shift in global diplomacy.
The article highlights that several Republican lawmakers have submitted a bill advocating for the U.S. withdrawal from the U.N., asserting that the organization does not align with the administration's "America First" agenda.
Quotes
“The proposed legislation to withdraw from the UN would effectively nullify the legal basis for the organization’s presence in New York.”
“If the United States no longer recognizes the treaty, the UN may have no choice but to relocate to a country that respects its role and independence.”
I think the UN HQ should move to Windhoek
ReplyDeleteWhy not Bujumbura? It is rather central in Africa and would give a needed boost to the GDP of Burundi and some prominence to Africa that would be welcome. An added benefit may be that some of the deadwood might remain in NY.
DeleteNo way Detlef. Don't want the magnificence of 'The Land of the Brave' to be spoiled.
ReplyDeleteDetlef: Its known that here are still vacant buildings/floors in Bonn... more nowadays as the agencies there downsize.
ReplyDeleteTo add that DT always wanted the UN site to build more of Towers
DeleteThere was a firm offer from the German Government to UNICEF for office space in Bonn when the Government offices moved to Berlin around 2000 - Many of us felt at the time that this would be a sensible move - perhaps we can still do so since apparently space is available as mentioned by Detlef
ReplyDeleteUS, Russia, China - permanent members charged with maintaining peace in the world : never again! have torn up the charter anyway, so time to move it and re-commit somewhere else with a reconstituted security council
ReplyDeleteAn ideal location for a new UN HQ would be Jerusalem. After all it was declared by the UN an" international city"; it stands at the crossroads of three continents; it is located at the edges of the West and the Global South; it is the genesis of the 3 monotheistic religions; it has always been a symbol of Peace; it is surrounded by a remarkable pool of human talent many of whom are multi-lingual; it is relatively less expensive than NY, GVA ,Vienna; communications and travel to and from all regions are easy. All it takes is resolving one of the world's most intractable issues !
ReplyDeleteDecide quick before Trump nominates his daughter to replace the current Executive Director of UNICEF
ReplyDeletePresumably, that would enuse US funding
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