Page 30 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International

into the world", a spirit of responsibility, freedom, charity and humanism,
contributing to harmony among nations.

In 1920 the League of Nations was established in Geneva, thus giving once
and for all formal recognition to the city's international dimension.

After the Second World War, what is known as the spirit of Geneva re-
emerged. International organizations put down roots in the city. In the space of
a few years Geneva once again became the major centre for worldwide negotia-
tions on economic, social and technical matters and disarmament.

Today, in the new post-Cold War period and in the new emerging system
of peace, security and cooperation based on the UN Charter, Geneva will cer-
tainly build upon its tradition as "capital of internationalism". My own action
will be guided however not by the comfort of tradition and historical prece-
dents but by a clear vision of the needs and requirements of the future and the
shape and content we wish to give to that future.

As Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, I see the
following priority missions:

One: As a traditional centre for conference diplomacy and an international
forum for consultations cooperation and dialogue affecting nations in
Europe as well as the Mediterranean area and the Euro-Asian Conti-
nent. Looking at the "Agenda for Peace", one could not exclude the
possibility that such major organs of the United Nations as the Securi-
ty Council could meet here in Geneva in connection with matters
affecting those areas;

Two: Geneva is the second largest centre of the United Nations for global
activities of the Organization. UN action for human rights, carried out
by the Centre for Human Rights is becoming more and more
important not only in the largest possible realization of human rights
standards, but also in preventive diplomacy as well as in peace-
building efforts.

In connection with arms regulation and disarmament and related security
issues, Geneva is the seat of the single multilateral disarmament negotiating
body of the international community, the Conference on Disarmament.

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