Bonn, Germany—Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited the United Nations Campus in Bonn together with Katharina Ahrendts, Director-General Global Order, the United Nations and Humanitarian Assistance, to engage with representatives of United Nations entities based in Bonn.
During the visit, discussions focused on the continued development of Bonn as a United Nations duty station and the strong partnership between Germany and the United Nations system. Particular attention was given to the role of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme as the Common Service Provider for the UN Campus in Bonn.
Supported by the Federal Government, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the City of Bonn, the city has developed into a reliable hub for international cooperation, reflecting Germany’s commitment to multilateralism.
In 2026, the United Nations marks 30 years of presence in Bonn. Today, 27 UN entities are based in the city, with around 1,200 personnel, and further growth is expected. Planned relocations include approximately 300 staff from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 35 positions from the UN Secretariat and around 60 from UN Women.
UNV was the first United Nations entity to establish its headquarters in Bonn in 1996, laying the foundation for the UN presence in the city. Today, approximately 130 UNV personnel are based at the Bonn Campus.
Johann Wadephul, Federal Foreign Minister of Germany, shared: “Thousands of UN Volunteers deployed worldwide every year work tirelessly for peace and security, human rights and development. Their hands-on commitment is living proof that multilateralism works and that the UN system can deliver for those most in need. The UN Campus in Bonn is a showcase of Germany’s unwavering commitment to the UN. We will continue to strengthen the UN’s pivotal role in the multilateral system and expand Bonn as a UN hub, as the organization implements much-needed reform.”
The visit also highlighted efforts to strengthen public engagement with the United Nations in Bonn. In April 2026, a joint visitor service was launched in cooperation with the City of Bonn, offering guided tours of the UN Campus to improve accessibility and provide insights into the work of the United Nations and the historical significance of its buildings.
Andrey Pogrebnyak, Deputy Executive Coordinator (Management) of UNV, shared: “The continued growth of the United Nations presence in Bonn reflects Germany’s enduring commitment to multilateral cooperation. We are grateful to Germany for being such a welcoming and supportive host to the UN family and for the strong partnership that enables our work. As the Common Premises Manager for the UN Campus, UNV helps create an environment where 27 UN offices can work side by side, collaborate effectively, turn global challenges into practical solutions, and deliver on their mandates.”
The visit reaffirmed Germany’s continued support for the United Nations and its role in Bonn as a growing center for international cooperation.