From Manhattan to Nairobi: UN’s strategic shift marks rise of the Global South

In a historic move that redefines global diplomacy,the United Nations is relocating major operations from New York and Geneva to Nairobi,Kenya,signaling a shift in the center of global influence toward the Global South.

By 2026,UNICEF,UNFPA,and UN Women will establish significant global offices in Nairobi — home to the UN’s only headquarters in the Global South since UNEP’s founding in 1973. Though officially described as a cost-efficiency initiative amid declining donor funding,the deeper implications point to a loss of global trust in Western dominance and a recalibration of power toward Africa and Asia. The decision is backed by a $340 million investment in Nairobi’s UN Office (UNON),which will transform into a world-class diplomatic and conferencing hub.

Nairobi’s appeal lies in its political stability,proximity to field operations,and affordability — ranked 201st globally for cost of living. The city already hosts 23 UN agencies,and the relocation of 2,000 staff by mid-2025 will further entrench its role. “Kenya has long played a key role as a regional hub for diplomacy and innovation,” says Reeya Patel,Nairobi-based CTG’s Business Development Manager. “This move acknowledges the leadership,capacity,and strategic value that countries like Kenya offer in shaping more effective and locally informed responses in the region.” The transition also reflects a deeper UN commitment to localization,equity,and responsiveness — bringing policy-making closer to the people it serves and anchoring Africa’s growing role in shaping the future of international governance.