Strengthening Germany’s UN location: UN Development Programme relocates parts of its headquarters to Bonn

With UNDP as the most important organisation for development cooperation within the United Nations and one of Germany's key partners in the area of stabilisation, a major international player is coming to Germany. This strengthens the UN Campus in Bonn while also sending an important political signal of confidence in German foreign policy - especially at a time when the UN system and multilateral principles are under pressure. Global challenges such as wars, hunger and environmental destruction can only be overcome through cooperation, however. Germany is and remains a champion of international cooperation, which is also important for the security, freedom and prosperity of our country.

Germany already provides the United Nations with a reliable environment in Bonn for carrying out its important work in the service of people around the world. This also involves the United Nations effectively implementing its reform efforts, which we want to support.

The international order is undergoing fundamental change. Germany is therefore realigning its development cooperation - and the UN Development Programme is likewise adapting to this new global situation. The relocation of parts of UNDP to Bonn strengthens this city as an international location and demonstrates that Germany's role in global development policy is expanding. UNDP is one of our most important partners in this context - together in the fight against poverty and in promoting sustainable development.

This decision is a great success for North Rhine-Westphalia, for the Federal City of Bonn and for Germany as a whole. It confirms North Rhine-Westphalia's role as a strong, reliable and internationally respected host of the United Nations. Bonn lies at the heart of Germany's UN location - and North Rhine-Westphalia is the political, economic and social framework that facilitates international work at the highest level. Together with the Federal Government and the City of Bonn, we have been strong advocates of North Rhine-Westphalia as the location. The decision taken by UNDP to relocate to Bonn is a vote of confidence for Europe, excellence and multilateralism. Thirty years since the UN Campus in Bonn was first established, this is a particularly important milestone for further strengthening the most important German UN centre. From North Rhine-Westphalia, international development policy can be shaped even more effectively in the future. North Rhine-Westphalia stands for a global outlook, stability and innovative potential. The Federal Government, North Rhine-Westphalia and the City of Bonn stand shoulder to shoulder as the host of the United Nations.

I am most delighted about this decision, also on behalf of the citizens of Bonn. Bonn is a cosmopolitan and international city. Over the past three decades, it has also made a name for itself internationally as the German city of the United Nations. With the announcement that parts of the UN Development Programme are to be relocated to Bonn, Germany is making an important contribution to strengthening international cooperation in geopolitically challenging times. We, as the City of Bonn, will also do our part to ensure that the UNDP employees and their families enjoy good living and working conditions and feel safe, comfortable and at home in Bonn.