Page 303 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

Our two organizations, which are both international and multidimensional
in nature, have many interests in common, in particular the promotion of
political, economic and social stability in Europe. The United Nations
increasingly cooperates with regional organizations, and I am pleased to say
that our collaboration with European structures sets a positive example for
other parts of the world. Whether in the field - such as in the former Yugoslavia
and the Caucasus - or at the headquarters of our bodies - Geneva and New
York, Vienna, Brussels, Strasbourg - practical modalities for exchange of
information, consultation, reduction of duplication and enhanced
complementarity have been established.

Many of GCSP's faculty, scholars and course participants have represented
their Governments at the UN or a regional organization; some have served or
may soon serve as peacekeepers with the United Nations or one of the regional
peace-keeping bodies. This only underscores the importance of mutual aware-
ness of our respective mandates, responsibilities and activities -- whether
“operational” or in the fields of training and applied research. The memoran-
dum we have just signed should go a long way towards meeting this objective.
In this age of globalization and instant communication, we are continuously
reminded that no country or region can remain in isolation; we are all members
of the same planet. As we approach the new millennium, the need to achieve
“human” security, with its economic, social and humanitarian dimensions has
become every bit as fundamental as the geostrategic, political and military as-
pects that influenced Governments throughout most of this century. The
definition of security set out in GCSP's handbook takes these factors fully into
account.

I could not conclude my remarks without paying special tribute to
Switzerland, with which the United Nations has maintained a close and
enduring friendship since its founding in 1945. We look forward to the day
when Switzerland will join as a full member. As host to numerous organizations
within the UN system, the authorities of the Swiss Federal Government, the
Canton and City of Geneva offer tremendous moral, political and material
support for our activities. This relationship has deepened and strengthened
over time, yet we should never take it for granted. We must, and do, nurture it
constantly. We are proud that the second largest headquarters of the United
Nations is based in Geneva, and that this ceremony takes place today in the
Palais des Nations, home of the original League of Nations, and the birthplace
of first disarmament conference in 1975.

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