UN Women has formally inaugurated its new Bonn Global Office, positioning the German city as one of the organisation’s three global hubs alongside New York and Nairobi. The development marks a significant expansion of UN Women’s global operations at a time when progress on women’s rights and gender equality faces growing challenges around the world.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous said the move would enhance the organisation’s ability to respond to emerging needs across regions. “Our three global locations in New York, Nairobi, and Bonn bring UN Women closer to the communities we serve and strengthen our ability to deliver better, faster, and more effectively for all women and girls, everywhere,” she said. She also praised Germany’s continued support, stating that the partnership remains central to advancing women’s rights globally.
The launch aligns with the adoption of the UN Women Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and brings together several core functions under one roof, including strategic partnerships, communications, management, sustainable financing, and organisational strategy. The Bonn office will also house the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, the UN’s only system-wide pooled fund dedicated to ending violence against women and girls.
Located within the UN Bonn Campus, the new global office is embedded in a wider network of more than 25 UN entities focused on sustainability, development, climate action and human rights. Officials say this close integration will help ensure gender equality remains a central component of UN-led initiatives across these priority areas.
Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali Radovan, welcomed the expansion, emphasising the role of cooperation in tackling shared global challenges. “We want to extend a warm welcome to UN Women! We are delighted that their new Bonn office has just been inaugurated. Because championing equality and gender justice worldwide is one key aspect of our efforts to support multilateralism and sustainable development,” she said.
Mayor of Bonn Guido Déus described the office opening as an important milestone for the city’s continued growth as a centre for international and sustainability-focused organisations. He said the new hub, expected to employ up to 90 staff, would benefit from Bonn’s strong professional networks and high quality of life.
With both the Bonn and Nairobi global offices now active, UN Women is rolling out a modernised operational model designed to improve efficiency and strengthen collaboration with governments, civil society and global partners, with the aim of accelerating progress towards gender equality.
