Berlin (dpa) – Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is poised to assume a prominent role at the United Nations following her tenure in government. According to government sources in Berlin, the German administration intends to nominate the Green Party politician as its candidate for the presidency of the UN General Assembly for the 2025/26 session. A corresponding cabinet resolution has already been initiated.
Baerbock is expected to be elected by the General Assembly in early June and will commence her one-year term in September. Given internal agreements at the UN, her election is largely seen as a formality. Upon taking office, she will step down from her position in the Bundestag. It is important to distinguish her new role from that of UN Secretary-General, currently held by António Guterres.
Baerbock’s Agenda for the UN General Assembly
As President, Baerbock will oversee and coordinate the sessions of the General Assembly. Ahead of her expected election, she is scheduled to present her agenda in New York this May. The program was initially developed by senior German diplomat Helga Schmid, who had originally been designated for the position. Schmid was nominated by Germany in September 2024, but the role is now being assigned politically. Baerbock will succeed Cameroon’s former Prime Minister, Philémon Yang.
This nomination underscores Germany’s commitment to the UN, particularly as the General Assembly has gained increasing significance due to frequent deadlocks within the Security Council. A prominent German presence in this role is also viewed as a strategic move in support of Germany’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027/28.
Germany’s Historic Role in the UN General Assembly
Under established UN conventions, the upcoming session’s presidency is designated for a representative from the “Western European and Others” regional group. Given Germany’s strong engagement with the UN, it was granted the opportunity to put forward a candidate for this session.
Historically, the role of UNGA President has often been held by former foreign ministers. The last time a German official occupied this position was during the Cold War. In 1980, Rüdiger von Wechmar served in the role on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany, while in 1987, Peter Florin represented the German Democratic Republic.
Baerbock’s Departure from Domestic Politics
Earlier this month, Baerbock announced her decision not to pursue a leadership role within the Green Party’s parliamentary group, citing personal reasons. She had been considered a potential co-leader but opted instead to take time for personal reflection following an intense period in politics.
Baerbock led the Green Party’s campaign in the 2021 federal elections as its first female candidate for chancellor. In November 2024, she and her husband, Daniel Holefleisch, publicly announced their separation. She is also the mother of two young daughters.
Baerbock’s anticipated appointment marks a significant step in her career and reinforces Germany’s active role in global diplomacy. With her new position, she is expected to contribute to shaping the UN’s direction during a pivotal period in international relations.
SOURCE:https://de.nachrichten.yahoo.com/
