UN Women Opens New Global Office in Bonn to Strengthen Worldwide Impact

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous emphasized the importance of the new global hub for the organization’s future ambition.

UN Women has officially inaugurated its new Global Office in Bonn, Germany, marking a major expansion of the organization’s global presence and reinforcing its commitment to advancing gender equality and the rights of women and girls worldwide. The new office now stands alongside UN Women’s two other global hubs in New York and Nairobi, forming a trilateral structure designed to enhance coordination, accelerate impact, and bring the organization closer to the communities it serves.

The opening comes at a time when gender equality gains are threatened by conflict, economic instability, climate change, and growing backlash against women’s rights. Against this backdrop, the Bonn Global Office represents a decisive move to strengthen UN Women’s operational capacity, strategic leadership, and international partnerships.

A Transformational Milestone for UN Women

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous emphasized the importance of the new global hub for the organization’s future ambition.

“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,” Bahous said.

She highlighted Germany’s decades-long leadership on gender equality and its critical role in supporting UN Women’s mandate.

“Germany’s leadership on gender equality remains critical, and UN Women is grateful for our longstanding partnership to advance women’s rights. We look forward to working with you from Bonn to unlock the immense opportunities of equality, as the key to advancing sustainable development, peace, and security globally.”

The opening of the Bonn Office also coincides with the adoption of the UN Women Strategic Plan 2026–2029, setting the stage for modernized operations and agile, forward-looking programming.

A Strategic Hub for Global Partnerships and Innovation

The Bonn Global Office consolidates key areas under one roof, including:

• Strategic partnerships and resource mobilization

• Communications and global advocacy

• Organizational management and administration

• Strategic planning and innovation

• Sustainable financing and philanthropic engagement

This integrated model is designed to strengthen UN Women’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging needs, mobilize resources at scale, advance multisector partnerships, and support governments in implementing gender-responsive policies.

The office will also serve as the headquarters of the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, the UN’s only system-wide pooled fund dedicated to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls. From Bonn, the Fund will expand its reach and support to civil society organizations around the world.

Embedded in a Vibrant UN Ecosystem

Located within the UN Bonn Campus, home to more than 25 UN agencies focused on climate action, sustainable development, data, and human rights, the new office strengthens UN Women’s integration across core global priorities.

This unique environment enables collaboration on issues such as:

• Climate resilience and gender

• Environmental protection and women’s leadership

• Human rights and justice

• Sustainable development and equality

• Peacebuilding and crisis response

The Bonn ecosystem positions gender equality at the center of multilateral solutions.

Germany Reaffirms Its Commitment to Multilateralism and Equality

Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali Radovan, welcomed the opening as a testament to Germany’s growing role as a global hub for international cooperation.

“Championing equality and gender justice worldwide is one key aspect of our efforts to support multilateralism and sustainable development,” she said. “If women have the same rights and opportunities as men, there is less poverty, less hunger, and more stability in the world. Germany remains committed to this cooperative approach — particularly at a time when some others prefer isolation.”

Her remarks underscored the strong, long-standing relationship between Germany and UN Women.

Bonn’s Growing Status as a UN and Sustainability Capital

Bonn Mayor Guido Déus emphasized the city’s pride in welcoming UN Women:

“The opening of the UN Women office in Bonn is an important step in the development and growth of Bonn as an international UN and sustainability location. UN Women will find excellent working conditions, a high quality of life for staff, and extensive networking opportunities.”

The new office is expected to host up to 90 employees, making it a vibrant center for collaboration and innovation.

Strengthening UN Women’s Global Model

With new global hubs in Bonn and Nairobi, UN Women is investing in a more agile, modern global operations model that:

• Enhances coordination across continents

• Bolsters support to Member States

• Strengthens partnerships with civil society

• Expands engagement with the private sector and philanthropic partners

• Accelerates progress toward gender equality and women’s empowerment

As global challenges intensify — from conflict to climate change to democratic backsliding — UN Women’s expanded global presence is designed to meet the moment.

A New Chapter for Global Gender Equality

The launch of the Bonn Global Office marks a new chapter for UN Women and the global movement for gender equality. With enhanced capacity, deeper partnerships, and access to a collaborative UN ecosystem, the organization is better positioned to deliver life-changing impact for women and girls in every region.