German Ambassador Harold Braun visits UVU

German Ambassador Harald Braun from New York visited Utah Valley University to speak about the role of Germany and the United States of America in the UN.

Standing in front of the flags of the US and Germany, he encouraged students of the UVU to be well informed about what is going on in international politics. He also wanted them to formulate their own opinions and express them freely, saying that that is how UVU students can take part in and support the relationship between the US and Germany.

“We live in the age of globalization. Borders become increasingly irrelevant. In a situation like this, no single country can prevail in intense international relations. And it is especially the worlds’ largest economies, which wear a particular responsibility for the world, not only economically, but also politically. They need to talk to each other, they need to cooperate in as many areas as possible, and I think, this is exactly what the United States and Germany will have to continue. They have been doing this in the past, in NATO, and in other organizations where we are together, also bilaterally,” said Braun.

Both countries are members of the International Organization of United Nations. The US was one of the founders in 1945, together with countries like France, China, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom.

Due to World War II, The Federal Republic of Germany, and the German Democratic Republic were not admitted to membership in the United Nations before 1973. The organization is currently made up of 193 member states.Nowadays, Germany and America work together in endeavors to maintain international peace and security, promote sustainable development, protect human rights, uphold international law, and deliver humanitarian aid to countries in crisis. An example is the security council, of which the United States is a permanent member. It takes the lead in determining what constitutes a threat to the peace or an act of aggression, and settles disputes by calling upon the parties to resolve it with peaceful means, and recommending methods of adjustment.

“Germany is willing to take responsibility in and for the world, because we believe that the world needs countries, who have democracy and accept human rights. Germany stands ready to become a member of the Security Council,” said Braun.

The UN remains a truly global organization that combines resources and the will of the member states to find solutions.

“Reforming, being willing and being able is not enough, we need a strategic position to know what our potential is for,” said Braun.

An example are the seventeen sustainable development goals which address all major problems in the world, such as hunger, peace and justice. When it comes to topics like that, communication is and always will be indispensable.

“We badly need conversation and cooperation between members,” said Braun.

And that is why also UVU students should stay informed about what is going on internationally. Politics are not only going on in America, but in the decisions that are made for the entire world.