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international international
Hidden at our Feet:
the First historic monument of multilateralism
By Evelina Rioukhina
It is generally thought that multilateralism Previous generations understood the
began in Geneva with the League of Nations in significance of this heritage of internationalism,
1920. However, the ICRC, was created much but of late it seems to have been forgotten
earlier than this, not to mention other events and is at risk of being lost. Today, the Black
which sowed the seeds of multilateralism in Marble obelisk is in the Cemetery of the Kings
Genevan soil. To better understand this, it is where it is often mistaken for a headstone.
worth revisiting the history of multilateralism The Temple met an even more tragic fate
and seeing how Geneva became known as the – it was demolished by a falling tree during
city of peace and diplomacy much earlier - a thunderstorm in 1946 and has never been
more than two centuries ago. rebuilt.
The long history of Geneva peace There have been many proposals to restore
movements is usually dated it. In 1963, its reconstruction was proposed
from the First Congress of the as a Memorial dedicated to the UN
Société de la Paix, established in Secretary-General Dag Hammarkjöld, who
1830 and convened soon after lost his life in serving the ideals of peace,
by Count Jean-Jacque de Sellon or as an optional burial place for the ashes
in his castle, Château Allaman, of international civil servants. In 1967, a
near Geneva. This Congress petition of international staff suggested it
is generally believed to be the as an interfaith mediation and dialogue
forerunner of the League of centre for people of all religions, delegates,
Nations and the UN. official representatives and Genevan
citizens. In 1975, during the European
However, there are archives and Year of Architectural Heritage, a proposed
monuments which indicate still restoration managed by the Arts Society
earlier peace activities, some by would have made it a landmark for the
Count Jean-Jacques de Sellon international spirit of Geneva. For this last,
himself (1782-1839). As well as it was also suggested it could be restored at
founding the first continental another site: suggestions included by the
European peace society, de Sellon Ariana Museum outside UNOG premises.
devoted himself to promoting
peace and arbitration between Then, in 1995, almost a generation later,
nations and was also an ardent the Temple’s significance was seriously re-
opponent of the death penalty. examined, and there was an attempt to
He erected two monuments at restore it on the 50 anniversary of the UN
th
the Villa La Fenêtre – the Black on the grounds of the Palais. It was thought
Marble Obelisk to commemorate this would be an appropriate monument
the 1 Congress of the Peace to mark the jubilee, but funds were not
st
Society 1830, and the Temple of available for implementation . Sadly, it was
1
Friendship and Peace in 1820, then forgotten until I came across it a few
which seems to be the first ever years ago and was struck by its historical
peace monument in Geneva. significance. I immediately contacted Jean-
This symbolizes the spirit of Claude Pallas who graciously provided
internationalism in Geneva, and me with documentation, and I conducted
so is part of its multilateralist research of my own (details in Diva 1/2020,
history. pp. 24-39). « Portrait d’arbres », Italie 2019
0 w w w. d i va i n t e r n at i o n a l . c h
I was even fortunate enough to find a donor remains in a perfect state at our feet! It may
connected to the de Sellon family history, have been overlooked due to construction
who was prepared to restore the Temple. I works, but now when the construction works
shared this information with colleagues and are terminated, it can be easily found. While
published a series of articles which caused the huge tree that ruined the Temple is no
tremendous interest; especially among longer there, it gave birth to a twin trunks
younger people, remarkably enough, who tree that grew from the fallen tree, and these
even now ask if the project is progressing. newly grown twin trunks will lead you to this
Unfortunately it is not, but this young interest discovery. As the ruined tree gave the life to
is a hopeful sign, emphasising the monument’s new trunks, the Temple should be given new
importance. Whether it is the first monument life in the same way!
of multilateralism, or just one of unity and
peace is for the future to decide, but the Despite of the grandeur of the new H building
commitment of these young people assures and other restorations, this monument’s
me it will undoubtedly be restored one day. significance may be the most important.
Geneva is the capital of multilateralism, and
As my generation is ‘outgoing from the UN’ today we need this approach more than ever.
(retirement), we must admit that we - as the Renewing our heritage and history will be a
whole currently “outgoing” generation - did first step.
not attach much importance to this monument,
having often more significant preoccupations. There will be opportunities of course: the
At the beginning of the millennium, as well 80 anniversary of the UN, or, in 2030, the
th
as dealing with climate change, we were 200 anniversary of the first Congress of
th
involved in other important activities, such Peace would both be good occasions for
as the Memorial (1999-2003), and later - the restoration. However, is such an occasion
renovation of the Palais and building of a huge needed? The minimum can be done right
new edifice for the UNOG -H building, as away – a commemorative plaque could
well as some other not less important projects be put on the original foundation near
such as the Portail des Nations. We have been H building, to stop it being forgotten.
also achieving the restoration of the Celestial Furthermore, it could be restored
Sphere which we had been striving for many elsewhere, as suggested before. It could
years, even decades. While the Celestial be in the middle of The Rebirth sculpture,
Sphere is the world-known vista of Geneva as it will symbolize the rebirth of unity.
International and the symbol of the Palais des The important thing is that it is done, and The archives
Nations, however, the symbolic importance of people fully understand its historical value. information
the Temple is still significant. provided by Jean
This is the message I am passing on together Claude Pallas, the
As part of the ‘outgoing from the UN’ with Jean-Claude Pallas – symbolically - from author of the book
generation, I want to pass on the message the previous and pre-previous generations to on the architectural
from past generations to whom this Temple those UN generations working at the Palais history of the
was of enormous significance. These include today, in the hope that they will accomplish Palais des Nations
all former Secretaries-General and the what we could not. We believe that the “Histoire et
UNOG Directors-General (the period from current generation, or those which come architecture du
1963 to 1995), as well as my dear friend Jean- after, will want to get back to their heritage Palais des Nations
Claude Pallas, who is the true guardian of the and finally restore this important monument (1924-2001), L’Art
Palais and its heritage and who shared all his of Geneva internationalism. It is my privilege Déco au service
des relations
discoveries and undertakings with me. This to be part of this chain from the past to the internationales”,
article is request from the past to the future: future! UNOG, 2001; and
do not forget about this monument, and if the former Chief
possible, restore it. Even though it was given of the Building
to city storage and broken into pieces, many The author expresses deepest thanks to and Engineering
of which are damaged or lost, the foundation Jean-Claude Pallas Section at UNOG.
w w w. d i va i n t e r n at i o n a l . c h