MOSCOW, Russia — June 9, 2025 (Prime Africa News) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stirred diplomatic chatter on Monday with a bold — albeit symbolic — suggestion: move the United Nations headquarters from New York to Sochi, a seaside city in southern Russia.
Speaking at the Forum of the Future 2050, held in Moscow from June 9–10, Lavrov referenced a long-forgotten proposal made by Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in the aftermath of World War II.
“It is better to move the UN to Sochi. Stalin proposed that, by the way, and it was an earnest proposal,” Lavrov said during a panel discussion. “But then he did Roosevelt a favor: first it was Long Island, then New York, Manhattan.”
Lavrov quickly acknowledged that the idea is unrealistic today, noting that the UN has become deeply rooted in the fabric of New York. He added that displacing thousands of staff and diplomats would trigger a “great migration” too large to imagine.
Though largely rhetorical, Lavrov’s comments reflect Moscow’s ongoing criticism of Western dominance in international institutions, particularly those headquartered in the United States. Russian officials have frequently accused global bodies like the UN of serving U.S. and European interests — a sentiment echoed by several Global South nations, including some in Africa.
UN in Africa’s Eyes
The remarks come amid growing calls from African leaders to reform the United Nations, especially the Security Council, where Africa remains without permanent representation. Lavrov’s statement could be seen as a subtle nod to these global grievances — positioning Russia as a sympathetic voice in favor of a more multipolar world order.
The Forum of the Future 2050 aims to explore global trends and the balance of power in coming decades. Delegates from various continents, including African policy experts and ministers, attended this year’s gathering, where discussions ranged from technological transformation to geopolitical realignment.
While the UN is unlikely to swap its iconic Manhattan skyline for Sochi’s Black Sea coast anytime soon, Lavrov’s comment added a dramatic flair to ongoing debates about who controls the institutions that shape global governance — and who should.
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