UNDP relocation: ZIF welcomes strengthening of UN presence in Bonn
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will relocate key functions from its headquarters in New York to Bonn over the next two years. Up to 300 employees are expected to work at the UN site in Bonn in the future. The decision underscores Bonn's growing importance as a location for international cooperation.
In a challenging geopolitical climate, this move also reflects Germany's commitment to multilateralism. Germany remains a strong partner of the United Nations and is the largest donor to the UNDP. Bonn offers the UNDP an established environment with a high concentration of UN organizations and key players in international development cooperation, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
“Germany's strong role as a stable partner”
Astrid Irrgang, Managing Director of the Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF), emphasizes the significance of the decision:
"Our partner UNDP's decision to locate in Bonn is a great boost for the German UN campus. It reflects Germany's strong role as a stable partner in fragile and developing contexts. The ZIF is ready to continue supporting the UNDP with experienced and well-trained staff for its locations worldwide as part of Germany's commitment and looks forward to further opportunities for cooperation."
“Together we promote security, peace, and prospects”
Melanie Hauenstein, Director of the UNDP Office in Germany, also welcomes the decision: "The relocation of a significant part of the UNDP to Bonn is a further result of the steadily deepening cooperation between the UNDP and Germany. Together we promote security, peace, and prospects for people in over 170 countries and regions. Germany's commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations is more important than ever and makes our work on the ground even more effective."
Long-standing partnership with UNDP
UNDP has been an important partner of ZIF for many years. ZIF currently supports UNDP with two civilian experts on secondment. The UN Development Program is the United Nations' leading organization for promoting sustainable development and poverty reduction worldwide. UNDP is committed to ensuring that all people have the opportunity to live a better life and supports countries in achieving their development goals.
Move to Bonn in the context of reform processes
The UNDP's decision comes at a time of ongoing reform processes within the United Nations. The aim is to make structures more efficient. ZIF is actively involved in these reform debates in order to further strengthen international cooperation in the areas of peace and security. As a center of excellence for civilian international crisis management, ZIF is committed to the further development of United Nations peace operations and peacebuilding approaches within the framework of the UN Pact for the Future and helps coordinate the German Community of Practice in this area.