Page 402 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition
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100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International
experience as a full Member State in the proceedings of our Organization until
now has been precluded. But in view of the recent developments we strongly
hope that the Swiss people will support the full membership in the UN.
3. As the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, I
highly appreciate the support at the federal and all other levels of our efforts to
strengthen the role of Geneva as a major center of multilateralism. The
presence of 22 international organizations with an aggregate budget of 8 billion
Swiss Francs, and 3 diplomatic corps (147 Ambassadors to UNOG, 15 Special
Representatives to the Conference on Disarmament and 16 to the WTO) gives
the unique identity of Geneva International.
As a result of the reform initiated in 1993, the role of Geneva in peace-
building and crisis prevention has been renewed and reinvigorated. In addition
to strengthening its traditional position as a center for conference diplomacy
and operational activities, Geneva has acquired new functions as a repository of
political technology in a variety of fields.
The political know-how of Geneva makes it attractive for high level visits
on the governmental and parliamentary levels. One of the primary aims of
these visits are meetings with Heads of UN Agencies and Programmes.
As a multifaceted UN office Geneva Headquarters is also well positioned
for cooperation with regional organizations as well as with new actors on the
global scene, such as parliamentarians, political parties, academic world, the
media, religious leaders, business community and civil society in all its aspects.
The new role of Geneva is one of the main reasons why I consider that the
future of Geneva International is its knowledge, which is the soft power of the
new, rapidly changing world.
In conclusion, I would like to express my deep belief that the mutually en-
riching partnership that we enjoy with your country will be further strengthened
both in quantity and quality under your Presidency.
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