Baerbock to move to Columbia University in New York in September

At Columbia University, Baerbock is to oversee the focus area of international relations and global governance ("international relations and global governance"). As the reports indicate, the move to the university is linked to the end of her work at the UN General Assembly: once the mandate expires, as is customary for all diplomats, any connection to the United Nations – and thus also to the Foreign Office and to the German taxpayer – ends.

Consequences of the end of the UN mandate

The appointment comes just a few months after the end of her term as President of the UN General Assembly. The reports state that Baerbock held the office in New York on a rotating basis. With the move following the end of the mandate, she leaves the UN post and thereby any formal ties to the German government.

In Berlin, the step is regarded by media outlets as a logical consequence of the end of the UN mandate. Critical voices from the opposition had repeatedly questioned in the past who would bear the costs of such a move. The reports make clear on this point: with the conclusion of her work for the United Nations, any connection between Baerbock and the UN, the Foreign Office, and thus the public sector in Germany ceases.

Columbia University is one of the most renowned institutions of higher education in the United States and is located in the Manhattan borough of New York City. It already has several institutions that deal with international politics and governance. According to the reports, Baerbock's appointment is intended to further strengthen this profile.

Columbia as a location for international politics

From within the federal government's circle, it was said that the move was being viewed calmly. The move is consistent with international conventions for former UN officeholders. Baerbock distinguished herself internationally during her term; a position in academia is a common subsequent step.

It remains unclear exactly when Baerbock will begin her teaching work in New York. The reports speak of September, without specifying an exact date. No further details were initially known regarding the duration of the appointment or the specific design of the professorship.

Baerbock's appointment is part of a series of prominent moves by former German politicians into international academic or institutional roles. Observers see the step as a sign that New York remains an important location for former officeholders from Europe – even beyond immediate UN work.