Page 283 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

by no means finalized at this point, two main developments can be anticipated:
the consolidation in New York of policy-related functions such as the so-called
“complex emergencies” which require enhanced inter-Agency coordination;
and the transfer to UNDP of activities related to “disaster mitigation and
preparedness”. Other activities will remain in Geneva.

In the fields of economics, trade and development, the position of Geneva,
which hosts the WTO, tends to be strengthened in the overall context of the
reform. UNCTAD has already successfully completed an extensive reorganiza-
tion both of its Secretariat and of its intergovernmental machinery. With the
proposed consolidation of the UN economic and social activities into a new
Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UNCTAD will retain its core
competencies in macroeconomic policy analysis and cooperate closely with the
newly created Department.

The leading role of UNDP in development activities will be further
reinforced as a result of the reform, especially at the country level where the
Resident Coordinator will oversee all UN activities. Here in Geneva, the
UNDP office will be strengthened by the appointment of a Regional
Representative and Director of the Geneva Office.

The Geneva-based Economic Commission for Europe has also completed
a major restructuring effort, focusing its activities on areas of strategic im-
portance in which it has a comparative advantage. Being the only
intergovernmental forum for economic cooperation whose membership in-
cludes all European countries, the ECE plays an important role in the
integration of all the economies of the region, and it is a prime source of know-
how and assistance for countries in transition.

The importance of Geneva in matters of international economics, trade
and development continues to grow, as evidenced by the recent decision of the
World Bank to open an Office here.

Among UNOG's traditional activities, disarmament and arms regulation
will continue to play a significant role. It is home to the Conference on
Disarmament which is the sole global negotiating mechanism in the field of
disarmament, and which justifies the accreditation of a full diplomatic corps
exclusively dedicated to disarmament issues. Sixty-one ambassadors are
currently accredited to the Conference and 20 more countries have applied for
membership. In addition to the activities of the Conference, Geneva is the

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