Page 221 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

and coordinated approach is the foundation for what we today call the democ-
ratization process. It is based on the growing acceptance by Member States that
Democracy is the best guarantee that peace and development will be realized.
And in this context you should know that the Secretary-General is preparing to
issue another major report entitled, An Agenda for Democratization, sometime
next year.

The demands on the UN system have outpaced the ability of the UN to
meet the world's needs fully and directly. The United Nations is thus learning
how to delegate and share responsibility more effectively. In the course of
adapting to new realities, the United Nations is developing and discovering
new ways to work together with regional organizations and with the different
members of civil society to solve common problems, mitigate mutual mistrust,
foster tolerance and the respect for human rights, and promote peace and
security.

Regional organizations - which have been responsible for many significant
achievements, for example in the field of arms regulation and disarmament
(such as the establishment of nuclear-weapon free zones) - must assume an
even greater role in promoting the goals of the United Nations. Chapter VIII of
the United Nations Charter establishes the division of labour between the
United Nations and regional arrangements and organizations. During the Cold
War little consideration was given to Chapter VIII or to profiting from these
organizations. In recent years, however, the situation is changing. The UN Sec-
retariat is looking for ways to improve the planning and implementation of
joint activities. Material, logistical. military, conceptual, and financial aspects of
peace-keeping are issues of particular concern. And coordination in peacemak-
ing and in the economic and social spheres are also gaining momentum.

Members of civil society - in particular non-governmental organizations -
also have an increasingly important role to play in promoting the goals of the
United Nations. NGO participation and - more importantly - contribution to
the many World Conferences we have had over the past few years, have been
crucial to their successful outcome. The Fourth World Conference on Women
that concluded last month in Beijing exemplifies the effectiveness of this
relationship. Convening international meetings forces governmental leaders
and their bureaucracies to address difficult issues. It generates increased public
and media interest that keeps the issues higher on the agenda than might
otherwise have been. Grass roots organizations and other interested parties in
civil society can - and do - influence and use public statements and accords

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