Page 268 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International

In addition to these activities, UNOG, through its Division of
Administration and Conference Services Division, provides administrativee
and logistical support to a whole array of specialized agencies. It provides
accommodation for the International Labour Conference and the World
Health Assembly, for example. UNOG personnel are routinely drawn upon to
service a substantial number of meetings outside Geneva. In 1997, for example
UNOG participation is required for conferences in Bonn, Kyoto, Nairobi,
Rome and Teheran.

UNOG's Information Service houses one of the largest pool of
permanently accreditated journalists and serves as a focal point for media
information, including on Central Europe and the Commonwealth of
Independent States (CIS) countries. It provides information as well to
the numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which have an
interest in the substance of specific UNOG meetings.

UNOG cooperates with European regional organizations. It hosted in
January 1997, a 6th round of meetings with the Council of Europe and the
Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and has invited
the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International
Organization for Migration (IOM) to join in such meetings.

The relationship between the United Nations and Switzerland is governed
by the 1946 Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations
concluded with the Swiss Federal Council. Switzerland, although not a
Member State of the organization, provides support to UN programmes and is
an active member of all UN specialized agencies. The Director-General of
UNOG meets regularly with the appropriate Swiss authorities. Matters of
interest to the international community at large are discussed within the
Diplomatic Committee which is an entity composed of the Geneva diplomatic
community, UNOG and the host country authorities.

International organizations contribute significantly to the identity of
Geneva as a leading city in world affairs, and they play an important role in the
local economy. As a result, a mutually beneficial synergy has emerged and a
provides a sound base for the sustained expansion of UNOG's activities.

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