Inside Geneva: Donald Trump, the UN, and the Future
Hosted by Imogen Foulkes
Released on February 4, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Inside Geneva, hosted by journalist Imogen Foulkes, the spotlight is cast on the seismic shifts in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump's administration and their profound implications for the United Nations and global humanitarian efforts. Foulkes delves deep into three critical areas where U.S. strategies have significantly impacted international aid and humanitarian operations: the ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine refugees, the withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), and the unprecedented freeze on U.S. foreign aid.

1. The U.S. and UNRWA: A Critical Humanitarian Pillar Under Attack

The episode opens with a discussion on the U.S. decision, echoed by Israeli actions, to cease support for UNRWA. Imogen Foulkes recounts how the U.S. under President Biden had previously withdrawn support amid allegations linking some UNRWA staff to the October 7 attacks. Despite UNRWA’s swift action in terminating the implicated staff, Israel’s parliament proceeded to ban the agency, challenging its operational continuity in Gaza.

Jurgen Jensehaugen, a representative from the Peace Research Institute Oslo, underscores the gravity of this ban:

“UNRWA is what we call the backbone of the humanitarian operation, meaning that they don't only bring in aid themselves, but they are really the operation which all other humanitarian actors depend on.”
(07:18)

He elaborates on the complexities introduced by Israel's vague implementation of the ban, particularly in East Jerusalem, and the broader implications for humanitarian coordination in conflict zones.

2. The Collapse of Humanitarian Infrastructure in Gaza

With UNRWA’s operational capacity severely hampered, the humanitarian landscape in Gaza faces potential devastation. Jensehaugen highlights:

“Transforming the type of operation that UNRWA has in that kind of environment, to do it properly takes two to three years. And here we have 90 days.”
(07:34)

The discussion delves into the role UNRWA plays in maintaining essential services like education and healthcare, and the challenges of replacing such a multifaceted organization within a constrained timeframe. The destruction of Gaza’s education system, or "scholasticide," is cited as a dire consequence of UNRWA’s weakened state.

Imogen Foulkes probes the impact of UNRWA’s potential collapse on education, questioning whether other organizations could fulfill its unique role:

“UNRWA is unique in the sense that it actually runs schools. So, you know, asking somebody else to run the schools, well, who's, who's that going to be?”
(10:29)

3. Israel’s Allegations and UNRWA’s Defense

The U.S. administration’s stance follows Israel’s claims of UNRWA’s alleged bias and links to terrorism. Jensehaugen addresses these serious allegations:

“Once UNRWA were told that some of their staff might have been involved, they took steps immediately. They fired all those accused even before they'd seen the evidence.”
(12:28)

He emphasizes the challenge of managing a vast workforce in a conflict zone and the importance of maintaining humanitarian operations to combat extremism.

4. Broader Implications for the United Nations

Jensehaugen warns of the dangerous precedent set by Israel’s eviction of UNRWA, expressing concerns over the potential erosion of UN standards:

“The expulsion of a UN agency is illegal. And by stating that they are working on a Plan B is a de facto acceptance of illegal law.”
(07:34)

The discussion shifts to the broader disrespect for the United Nations, with Jensehaugen noting:

“There is an increasing disrespect for what the UN stands for. And I think Israel has really been not just vocal, but taken very clear steps in this regard.”
(16:54)

He fears a negative spiral where undermining the UN could lead other nations to similarly retaliate against UN agencies.

5. The U.S. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization

Lawrence Gostin, a renowned public health professor at Georgetown University, voices his dismay over the U.S. withdrawal from WHO:

“The withdrawal from WHO flew under the radar, and it's probably the most consequential thing of all.”
(18:56)

Gostin elaborates on the critical role WHO plays in global health, noting the severance of collaboration and data sharing essential for combating diseases. He underscores the long-term negative repercussions for both global health and U.S. national interests.

6. Freezing of U.S. Foreign Aid: A Death Sentence for NGOs

The episode further explores the Trump administration’s unprecedented freeze on U.S. foreign aid, with Colm Lynch, a foreign policy journalist from Devex, expressing shock:

“The 90 state suspension is a death sentence for many small NGOs who just don't have the finances to sort of weather this kind of this period.”
(31:48)

Lynch discusses the immediate and long-term impacts on various humanitarian programs, highlighting the lack of preparedness for such sweeping cuts and the potential for significant setbacks in global aid efforts.

7. Expert Insights and Future Outlook

Throughout the episode, experts provide a nuanced analysis of the current crisis and its future implications:

• Jensehaugen highlights the strained position of the UN amidst these changes and the potential for other nations to follow suit in undermining UN agencies.

• Gostin remains cautiously optimistic about WHO's resilience but underscores the critical loss of U.S. support and the potential isolation of the United States on the global stage.

• Lynch warns of a bleak future for foreign aid, questioning whether this administration's actions signify a lasting shift away from multilateralism and international cooperation.

Conclusion: A Challenging Path Ahead for the UN and Global Humanitarian Efforts

Inside Geneva wraps up with a somber reflection on the future of the United Nations and global humanitarian operations amid these challenging times. Imogen Foulkes captures the essence of the discussion:

“Testing years for the United Nations ahead,” says Jensehaugen, reflecting the collective anxiety surrounding these policy shifts.

Despite the bleak outlook, Lawrence Gostin offers a sliver of hope for a return to American leadership and collaboration in future administrations. However, the overarching sentiment underscores a critical juncture for the UN and international aid systems, grappling with unprecedented challenges to their operational integrity and global cooperation mechanisms.

Notable Quotes

• Jurgen Jensehaugen:
  “UNRWA is what we call the backbone of the humanitarian operation...” (07:18)

• Lawrence Gostin:
  “The withdrawal from WHO flew under the radar, and it's probably the most consequential thing of all.” (18:56)

• Colm Lynch:
  “The 90 state suspension is a death sentence for many small NGOs...” (31:48)

Final Thoughts

This episode of Inside Geneva provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the profound shifts in U.S. foreign policy under President Trump and their far-reaching consequences for the United Nations and global humanitarian efforts. Through expert interviews and in-depth analysis, Imogen Foulkes effectively illuminates the critical challenges facing international cooperation and the future trajectory of global aid and politics.

For more insights, subscribe to Inside Geneva on your preferred podcast platform and explore previous episodes exploring pivotal issues in global humanitarian efforts.