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"Hefty Impact": Assessing Geneva's Adverse Repercussions Due to Trump's Exit from UN Organizations

U.S. President Donald Trump Decides to Pull Out Nation from Geneva's World Health Organization (WHO) and Human Rights Council, Potentially Imposing Severe Ramifications on Geneva; Adjustments in Place to Lessen Impact.

Trump's US Leaves World Health Organisation and Threatens Geneva Economy

"Hefty Impact": Assessing Geneva's Adverse Repercussions Due to Trump's Exit from UN Organizations

Upon his inauguration on January 21, 2017, US President Donald Trump declared his intention to pull the US out of the Geneva-based World Health Organisation (WHO). Trump has since expressed his disdain for multilateralism - a term that describes multiple nations working together on a shared goal - and has added more UN agencies based in Geneva to his hit list.

This move isn't all that surprising, considering the WHO's purpose is to combat some of the world's toughest public health problems. The US, as one of the WHO's largest funders, announced its withdrawal effective in 2026 following a formal request. As of now, it's unclear how many WHO staff members are American citizens, but the US has already withdrawn its government personnel working with the organisation.

With the US withdrawing from the WHO, experts predict it won't be long before other UN agencies based in Geneva, such as the UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration, face similar fates.

Economic Powerhouse in Peril

The UN and other international organisations are major economic drivers for the Geneva region. With over 35,000 workers from more than 190 countries employed across these international bodies, colloquially known as "International Geneva," significant job losses could be on the horizon. Not to mention the hundreds of NGOs based in Geneva that employ thousands more.

Approximately 10 percent of Geneva's entire workforce is employed by international agencies or NGOs, generating revenue for local businesses and service industries. The economic impact of the US's withdrawal from these organisations could be staggering, potentially spelling trouble for Geneva, the canton of Vaud, and neighbouring France.

Former Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey warned that the US withdrawals would have "serious consequences on the economy of Geneva." She cautioned that the extent of the cuts, their acceptability by Congress, and their impact on the region were all unknown variables. However, she believed the organisations would survive if the US pulled out, but they would need to seek funding from other sources.

Possible Consequences

Given Trump's stance on global warming and pledge to leave the Paris Climate Agreement, it's possible that he may also pull the US out of organisations like the World Meteorological Organisation, the UN Refugee Agency, and the World Trade Organisation - all of which are based in Geneva.

Such moves could have a ripple effect across the Greater Geneva area, as some UN employees, including Americans, live in the French border communities. The departure of these employees would further impact the local economies of these areas.

The Fight for Finances

In an effort to save these international bodies and the jobs they provide, Geneva authorities are seeking alternative funding sources. A bill aimed at temporarily providing support to affected agency employees has been proposed, with provisions for a 10 million francs fund to support employees whose jobs become redundant after the US withdrawal. However, this measure is only temporary, with Geneva authorities working on a long-term plan to address the challenges ahead.

If you live in Geneva or the surrounding areas, you might be wondering how the US's withdrawal from these international agencies could affect you. We'd love to hear your thoughts – drop us a line at news@ourwebsite.com or leave a comment below.

  1. The withdrawal of the US from the World Health Organisation, a Geneva-based entity, might encourage other UN agencies like the UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration, also based in Geneva, to face similar exits.
  2. If the US withdraws from other Geneva-based organizations such as the World Meteorological Organisation, the UN Refugee Agency, and the World Trade Organisation, it could have a ripple effect on the local economies of the Greater Geneva area.
  3. As the US is a significant funder for several international bodies in Geneva, the economic impact of its withdrawal could be substantial, potentially causing job losses and affecting local businesses and service industries.
  4. Geneva authorities are making efforts to secure alternative funding sources to support affected employees and international bodies following the US's withdrawal, with a proposed temporary measure of a 10 million francs fund and ongoing plan to address long-term challenges.
U.S. President Donald Trump Abolishes U.S. Participation in Geneva's World Health Organization (WHO) and Human Rights Council; Anticipates Potential Further Actions. Geneva Prepares for Potential Negative Impact and Implements Countermeasures Against Potential Financial Setbacks.

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