Page 180 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International

forms so as to be more consistent with the experience of respective peoples,
and it can and must be assimilated by all cultures. There are plenty of examples
of effectively functioning democratic societies. Let's take, for example, the
situation in Switzerland. With its four languages, three principal religions and a
rapidly evolving economy, Switzerland may be one of the most pluralistic and
diverse countries in Europe. However, since the establishment of the Federal
State in 1848, internal peace and stability in Switzerland has never been
seriously threatened. Perhaps, a careful study of such elements of the Swiss
model of democracy as the language law, territorial principle, and the Federal
Constitution can help in developing stable democratic institutions in the
future.

9. This system will be more pluralistic and tolerant to cultural and other
differences. The new democratic world structure will help to solve the old
contradiction between two cardinal principles of international relations -
sovereignty, and territorial integrity of States. The State borders will still exist,
as well as the national languages and cultures, but they will not create any
obstacles for free contacts among people, trade flows or exchange of ideas. I
would say that societies will be interdependent and internationalistic in
substance and national in form. The international system of the future will also
be more humanistic. Accordingly, respect for human rights and the rights of
minorities, whether ethnic, religious, social or linguistic, will be among the
major priorities.

10. In the international system of the future the UN will play an
increasingly important role. As a sleeping beauty it will be awaken from its
decades long sleep and will unlock its whole potential. The United Nations
offers a unique forum for consensus building on global priorities, is an advocate
for core values, and responds to development and humanitarian needs. In will
strengthen and expand its traditional functions:

• as the instrument of the Member States to work out agreed actions;
• as the organizer of the continuum of conferences to address new
global issues makes, in particular, sustainable development a central
goal of their policies and programmes, including intensifying and
deepening the integration of environmental considerations into all
aspects of their programmes;
• as the provider of the forum for ideas and the voice for the most
deprived; and
• as the institution for granting legitimacy for international action.

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