Page 334 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International

This new generation of international civil servants must be able to think
outside the box, in order find new ways of achieving the goals set down in the
United Nations’ Charter. These professionals will also have to be able to adapt
quickly and seamlessly to new technologies as they will facilitate our work and
expand our horizons. Also, language requirements remain standard require-
ments for those who want to work in an international organization or NGO.
But, above all else, this generation must continue to embrace multiculturalism.
I say this because, as technology and the evolution of the nation-State seem
to be blurring national borders, people all around the world are clinging
ever more strongly to their cultural identities. These cultural identities tell us
who we are and where we come from. These must be preserved in a world
where more and more people think of themselves as international citizens rather
than citizens of their respective countries. And in the context of an
international arena such as the General Assembly, a place where over 180
countries come together to engage in a common dialogue, respecting each
other's culture is the first step towards bridging international divides. The
adoption this year of a General Assembly resolution on the “Dialogue of
Civilizations” is a further indication of the importance communication and
understanding among nations. Communication is the first step on the road to
cooperation and consensus-building, and these are elements without which the
General Assembly cannot function.

Unfortunately, divides still occur on different issues, in particular on
implementing the protection of universal human rights.

I hope that you will reflect on the anniversary of the United Nations’
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signed on 10 December 1948, in the
General Assembly of the United Nations. The Declaration is a cornerstone of
the UN's efforts to raise the standards of living, be they economic, social, or
cultural, of all people around the world. But these human rights did not come
into being when this document was drafted some 50 years ago. These rights are
inalienable, universal rights that have always permeated our lives and the way
we interact with others, forming the moral code by which we live. The
Declaration is simply a reaffirmation or an eloquent expression of’ these
fundamental doctrines. Even the words used were not new. Take Article One
of the Declaration for example: “All human beings are born free in dignity and
rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards
one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” At the time of its drafting this opening
statement was seen as revolutionary. Well, it was and it wasn't. It was
revolutionary, but a long time ago. You see, Article One is taken practically

312