Page 21 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

100 REFLECTIONS THAT CRAFTED GENEVA INTERNATIONAL

In the best tradition of the City of Calvin as the birthplace of international
humanitarian activity, nowadays, all the major work of the UN in human rights
and humanitarian operations is undertaken in Geneva.

In diplomatic terms, Geneva is not only an established centre of international
activities, but is, in fact, the symbol of multilateral diplomacy.

Within this international structure, Geneva has its own handwriting. Whilst New
York is the major decision-making centre, Geneva is the major operational head-
quarters. Up to 65 per cent of all the activities of the Organization are conducted
from Geneva, many of the operations extending to all regions of the world.

Geneva is becoming evermore important as а venue for conferences and
negotiations, an operational centre for peace-building, disarmament, economic
and social development, and the protection of human rights.

The traditional spirit of Geneva - the spirit of openness, responsibility, and
humanism.

It is tremendously important that Geneva be one united community. The division
between la rive gauche and la rive droite should only be a matter of geography,
without any other implication. This is the spirit of Geneva, a city which has become
not just one of the major centres of multilateral diplomacy but which also enriched
international activities with its traditions such as tolerance and respect for others,
and with the heritage of the great thinkers who lived in Geneva. The Swiss tradition
of democracy and equality in relations between different groups of population is very
important for the diplomatic community. We want to further advance these
traditions and create new conditions wherein Geneva could strengthen its position as
the Europolis of the United Nations.

Humanitarian affairs have traditionally been considered as one of Geneva's
area of expertise due to the synergy of various leading humanitarian organizations
based in this city.

Geneva is a repository of political, economic, social and humanitarian know-how
and this knowledge is its power.

If in the Cold War Geneva was well known for its spirit, the power of the
present-day Geneva is its knowledge, which is the basis of wisdom in politics
and diplomacy.

Geneva International which has enjoyed a unique reputation for its tolerance,
humanitarianism and democratic pluralism since the Middle Ages.

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