The big picture benefits of a UN headquarters in New York : Shared by Niloufar Pourzand

Comment by Samantha Cocco-Klein
As a New Yorker and international humanitarian, I have always been thrilled that the United Nations is based in my hometown. But with the Trump Administration slashing all funding to the UN and International Organizations, and many agencies such as UNICEF and UN Women looking to move people out, what does the US and NYC stand to lose?

The big picture benefits of a UN headquarters in New York
Stéphanie Fillion
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Stéphanie Fillion / The Interpreter / Lowy Institute 

Click here for the article

Summary:
The article argues that while many Americans see the U.S. paying 22% of the UN’s budget as a burden, they overlook the strategic advantages of hosting the UN headquarters in New York. Beyond the $3.69 billion annual economic output and 15,890 direct jobs, the U.S. benefits from soft power, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic leverage. The annual UN General Assembly brings global leaders, journalists, and civil society to New York, reinforcing America’s role as a diplomatic capital. The U.S. also exerts influence through visa control, shaping participation in UN events. However, budget cuts and disengagement risk ceding influence to countries like China, which may seek to host UN offices in exchange for financial support. While relocating the headquarters is not imminent, the article warns that America’s unique advantages could erode if funding continues to decline.

Quotes:

• “By housing the physical headquarters of the organisation, Washington garners not only economic but also diplomatic, political and other soft power benefits at the level of no other UN member country.”

• “According to the City of New York, the UN generates $3.69 billion in economic output annually, and the 15,890 individuals directly employed by the UN community take home household earnings of approximately $1.64 billion.”

• “The real payoff isn’t in dollars: by hosting the most important event in diplomacy every year – the UN General Assembly – the country gains access to unique intelligence and influence.”

• “Relocating the UN headquarters appears to be off the table for now. Still, the UN’s location isn’t guaranteed.”

• “Even Trump voters may one day regret the loss of America’s role as the ‘world’s police.’”