Page 333 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

The UN has recently instituted a process of reforms for the organization as
a whole and also tor Geneva. The reforms provide a natural link between the
past and the future, and Geneva is becoming a multi-dimensional centre for
UN activities including international norm-setting, the availability of know-
how and expertise and operational activities. The work of the U N in Geneva is
consolidated into five major fields: the promotion of human rights and
humanitarian assistance; economic trade and development activities; science
and technology; disarmament negotiation; and research and training.

Geneva, as the second Headquarters of the Organization, is unique as it
includes 3 diplomatic corps accredited to the UN offices: the World Trade
Organization, the Conference on Disarmament, and the Permanent
Representatives to the UN. Even with serious funding difficulties, the UN
office at Geneva has maintained, and even increased, its activities thanks
primarily to the determination and dedication of all its staff members. The
annual number of meetings at the Palais des Nations has been steadily
increasing over the years and, by the end of this year, we anticipate our offices
will have received over 25,000 delegates for such events. Geneva is universally
recognized as a focal point for diplomacy, mediation, and mitigation, but also a
center for “Prevention.”

The UN Secretary-General's “Programme for Reform” which he unveiled
on 16 July 1997, has improved the Organization's ability to adapt to new
realities, new emerging circumstances, new international actors and to the
challenges of the 21st century. The further streamlining of UNOG activities
was also performed in order for the Organization to be able to manage more
productive programmes and deliver better services to the Member States.

In other words. as a result of the reform of the United Nations. which was
conceived in the context of a divided world, the UN should be in a better and
stronger position to apply its valid fundamental principles to confront the new,
extremely complex situations that characterize this era of
globalization, situations which are more interdependent and at the same time,
extremely fluid and fraught with interstate conflicts.

This is the vision for the United Nations of the future. This is testament to
the dynamism of the Organization and its relevance halt a decade after its
inception. We are building a stronger more effective and more flexible
institution to meet the challenges of the next century. And in order to
be effective, this Organization is going to need a new, and equally dynamic
young generation of professionals, like yourselves, to carry on this work.

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