Small country - big international engagement

The establishment of UN City lays the foundation for strengthened corporation and knowledge sharing between the six different UN organizations residing in Copenhagen. They are currently spread all over the city, but the new building will help the UN to “deliver as one”. The comprehensive Danish project, which will be placed in the northern harbor of Copenhagen, will be an important contribution to the overall reform process of the UN – a reform, the Danish government strongly supports.

There is a row of reasons why it is desirable for the UN City to be built in Copenhagen, of all places. The UN organizations themselves highlight the very well educated Danish work force, a comprehensive and modern infrastructure, a well functioning society and a high level of security. But the time zone also plays a vital part. It is possible for Copenhagen based UN organizations to work in parallel with the UN’s primary initiatives in Africa and the Middle East and to reach colleagues in Asia and America. This contributes to improving the efficiency of the UN’s international efforts.

Denmark’s international engagement and role as one of the key aid donors puts the UN at the centre of Danish Foreign and Development Policy. A strong UN representation in Denmark and close ties with the UN system is of great value – for the political environment as well as for the active and engaged Danish civil society.

VIDEO: NEW UN BUILDING IN COPENHAGEN
On November 9th 2010, the first sod will be cut for UN City in Copenhagen. Once completed, the massive building will bring together the six UN organizations in Copenhagen under the samme roof.