Page 331 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

I would further like to take this opportunity to renew my congratulations
to the President of the State Council of Geneva, Mrs. Martine Brunschwig
Graf, who took up her office this week and also include Mrs. Ursula Hafner in
my wishes, on this occasion.

Although we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Decla-
ration of Human Rights, now, more than ever, the achievement of all human
rights for all remains a continuous challenge. Much progress has been achieved
in translating the Declaration into reality but there is still a long way to go, and
it should be, for each of' us, a deep, personal commitment to maintain this aim
as a duty in our daily undertakings.

Through the donation of the Palais Wilson the Confederation illustrates
the deep commitment of you, our Hosts, to the cause of human rights for all. I
extend most sincere thanks to you for your continuing participation. You have
made Geneva home for human rights.

In our persistent efforts to advance human rights, Geneva, which is the
home of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
rights as well as other United Nations humanitarian organizations, will
continue to service as the focal point of humanitarianism. In the new post-Cold
War world, the strength of Geneva lies not only in its spirit but mainly in the
tremendous amount of international knowledge. To rephase the famous
dictum of Francis Bacon “knowledge is the power of Geneva”.

The United Nations has made this particular day, the 10 December, an
annual day of reflection to renew our commitment and the Secretary-General
has asked me to convey his message for this important Anniversary, prepared
with predominant thoughts of those peoples in the world who suffer from the
scourge of injustice, peoples and individuals who rely on our dedication and
leadership, in their quest to fulfil their basic human rights.

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