Page 25 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Introduction

Geneva but from all over the country. During Open Days, Mr Petrovsky would
personally welcome everyone, answer questions and invite people to discuss
issues. Every visitor received a letter of thanks afterwards (sample in the
Annex III). He also attended many events all over Switzerland, sometimes
giving lectures but also tirelessly informing people about the UN and its
role, and about the role of Geneva in the international arena. With
respect and generosity of heart, he gave a human face to our right bank
and people felt this, especially in Geneva. This must have been a
major factor in the referendum result.
This unity of right and left banks was a unique achievement, leading to
Mr. Petrovsky becoming the only foreigner and UN representative to be

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included in the “Ceux qui font Genève” . He also forged links with
businesses and academia and generally won the hearts and minds of many
Swiss, especially Genevans. He changed the UN relationship with
the Swiss Federal Government from purely formal visits to direct ties
with Swiss Presidents, Federal Councillors, parliamentarians and
diplomats. This was achieved by visits, exhibitions, lectures, articles and
attendance at local events.
The Alley of the Flags, which graces the main entrance to the Palais, is
also one of his initiatives but the editorial board to the UN Special magazine
had to persuade him to allow for an extra hole for the Swiss flag 4 – he was
superstitious that this would jinx his efforts. Eventually he was persuaded,
and later the distinctive red flag with a white cross in the centre was planted
there. Sadly, by this time he was no longer in office – his mandate terminated
just several days before the referendum – but he must have derived
satisfaction from knowing that nine years of tireless activity must have
contributed to this outcome.
In this book are 100 of Mr. Petrovsky’s reflections about Geneva Interna-
tional, from crafting the concept to bringing it to life. These include statements,
drafts, speeches, lectures, articles, press conferences and addresses. They have

never been published before, and as Mr. Petrovsky was a leading world figure
for disarmament and peace, this Geneva International aspect of his work has
sometimes been overlooked.
These reflections show how his ideas were brought to life. They also show
the person behind them – a master diplomat with a great heart, an inspiring
leader and a brilliant thinker. They describe his activities in many parts of
Genevan life, including with women’s groups and work with older people.
Most important of all, they show his work towards peace, disarmament and the
concept of human security.
3 Serge Bimpage “Ceux qui font Genève“, EAN 9782051017763, Edition Slatkine, 1999.
4 See “L’Espace réservé, in the magazine UN Special , No. 598/2001.

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