Washington, DC – The White House announced its intention to fill the long-vacant post of US ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva.
Diplomats viewed the move as a sign of Washington’s intention to strengthen its engagement with the UN system.
The White House stated that US President Donald Trump has selected Todd Stegerda, a lawyer and former US Navy pilot from Virginia, for the position.
His appointment will be subject to Senate confirmation. The post in Geneva is considered pivotal.
This is because the city hosts numerous UN agencies and international organizations concerned with human rights, trade, health, and disarmament.
Trump had previously described the UN as having “great potential.” However, he criticized its performance, arguing that it had not adequately supported US-led peace efforts.
Last January, he announced the withdrawal of the United States from dozens of international organizations and bodies.
He claimed that some of them operate in ways that conflict with US national interests.
The US will now listen
In contrast, diplomats welcomed the decision to appoint a new ambassador to Geneva. They considered the move a positive sign of continued communication with the international organization.
Adam Day, head of the Geneva office of the United Nations University Policy Research Centre,
said that appointing a high-level figure could be a sign of serious US engagement with the UN.
A Western diplomat added that the move at least means the United States “will now listen.”
These developments come at a time when Washington is facing criticism for failing
to pay more than $2 billion in contributions to the UN’s core budget.
This is despite announcing its intention to make an initial payment as part of efforts to reform the organization.
Observers believe that appointing an ambassador to Geneva could pave the way for a reshaping of the relationship between Washington and the United Nations.
This comes amid a delicate balance between US criticism of the organization and the need for cooperation on complex international issues.
