Page 155 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

Refugees is today assisting more than 23 million people who have been forced
to flee their countries due to famine, war, and long-simmering hatreds that
must be diffused. The Department of Humanitarian Affairs coordinates billions
of dollars of life-saving assistance in emergency situations in a timely and
efficient manner. These are just few examples of tangible ways in which the
more than 40 entities that comprise the UN system are improving peoples’
lives.

Concerning the future, another endeavour at which the UN excels is
education. The United Nations produces and disseminates an enormous
amount of information. The UN works with, and provides these materials to,
teachers and educational institutions that help promote the ideals of the
Charter and empower people - especially the young.

The “UN of the Future Conferences” is an excellent example of the
important role young people - tomorrow's leaders - can and must play in
charting the future path of the United Nations. I understand that this
Conference in Geneva is part of a fuller programme that has already included
meetings in The Hague, London and New York and have been told that the
panelists have found your input to be sophisticated and very worthwhile. I trust
that these proceedings will prove to be mutually enriching and look forward to
learning of the results. I also understand that many of you have travelled great
distances - from as far as Argentina and the Philippines - to take part in this
Conference and I ask all of you to share your experiences and your ideas with
others upon returning to your communities. You have before you an excellent
opportunity to affect the necessary changes in our world.

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