Page 408 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International

Developments associated with the emerging information age are rapidly
redefining the way in which international affairs are conducted. Modern means
of communication are blurring traditional boundaries and creating new types
of diplomatic interactions. Diplomacy has now reached a point where it needs a
technological transformation. To address this challenge, and to remain as
relevant and effective as possible, diplomacy must adapt to the new "digital"
world. It must become speedy, flexible, efficient, networked, and technology-
driven. In the environment of multilateral diplomacy this can be achieved only
through the joint efforts of all interested parties - both the international
organizations, the national Governments and their diplomatic Missions.

Applying these considerations to Geneva, we can see that one of the
central issues is the creation of a campus-wide network. Currently, UNOG is
working on setting up a direct connection between the Palais des Nations and
the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). If all goes according to
plan, this cable connection should be in place by the end of this Summer.
Similarly, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights will also be
connected. Other UNOG projects in this realm include the new phase of the
Optical Disk System (ODS) which will continue to operate out of our own
Geneva ODS branch. Our long-term aim being to make the ODS available as a
common service to all the UN bodies and the five specialized agencies.

UNOG itself has recently increased its use of information technology in
other ways from the electronic displays in the Palais at doors 6 and 40, to the
conference room displays and touch screens. We have also revised and
optimized our communications system to “Global One” and greatly improved
information dissemination through the Internet, this evident through last year’s
ECOSOC broadcast and this year’s General Assembly.

As for us, I would like to assure you that the UN Office at Geneva, which
has always supported ISUG activities, will continue this policy in the future.

Lastly, I would like to give special thanks and recognition to the current
Chair of the ISUG, Ambassador Gallegos-Chiriboga of Ecuador who will be
leaving us in early July. We have been fortunate to have such excellent,
dynamic, skillful and dedicated leadership under his guidance. I wish him the
very best in all of his future endeavours. In this I would also like to welcome the
incoming Chair, Ambassador Rana of Kenya, who unfortunately, could not be
with us today. I am sure that ISUG will continue to maintain its efforts with the
same vigour, determination and energy as it always has."

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