Page 125 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

The United Nations Office in Geneva, on its part, is not only participating
in these activities, but will open its doors to the public. On the 15 of October
we а planning as а special event an Open House day to promote the
observation of the United Nations Day. This is symbolic as well, because it will
provide the people with а first-hand view of the present United Nations
activities, in the historical perspective, at the place where the first international
organization - the League of Nations - had its seat.

6. Allow me to return to the subject of public opinion. I think we can all
agree that public opinion, especially as it relates to international relations, is
often difficult to mobilize. However, it is important that in the age of increasing
economic interdependence, high speed travel and global communications, the
world is becoming an increasingly borderless place. Thus, the theme of the
50th Anniversary "We The Peoples of the United Nations ... United for а Better
World" gains its relevance, for no country can completely isolate itself from
what happens elsewhere. This, then, is the challenge we face as we prepare for
the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations: to define, inform and expand the
United Nations constituency. We can no longer be content to speak only in the
words of the officials or press releases and expect our words to be heeded.

7. All these tasks need, of course, а lot of efforts and resources. I would like
to inform that we in the United Nations do not expend funds that are badly
needed elsewhere. The expenses for the programmes I mentioned above
will be covered by the Governments and different sponsors. I am
particularly pleased that the Republic and Canton of Geneva, as well as
the City, have shown their goodwill and support in planning, funding and
implementation of UN-50 projects in and around Geneva.

Thank you for your attention.

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