Page 431 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

cultivate deeply-rooted democratic structures - civil and judicial, as well as
political, in which all groups in society participate.

States without functioning democratic institutions are holding back their
own people. A healthy State with good governance is more than an
administrator for the nation, it is a facilitator for development - development
from which ALL its citizens can benefit. As the Secretary-General has said:
“Good governance is an accomplishment. It is the fruit of true dedication,
selfless leadership and politics of integrity. Without good governance, the
foundations of society - both national and international - are built on sand.”

Global governance can only function properly if national governance
across the world is healthy and strong. In today's world national and global
governance are inextricably linked. We are affected by what happens outside
our country, just as what we do can have an impact on our neighbours.
Conflict, natural disasters and economic downturns do not respect national
boundaries National interest, which hitherto seemed for many of us, the
natural badge to wear, is losing its predominance. Globalization is changing our
reality. The national and the collective interest are merging.

Thus, the vast range of problems and challenges, that we all face today,
needs to be dealt with on a global basis. Regional and international institutions
have developed agendas and tools to address these issues, and we must support
them. The United Nations is sometimes accused of trying to become a world
Government - this is simply not true - our only interest is to serve as a center for
taking agreed actions.

Your visit to the Office in Geneva today, will provide a unique opportunity
to view the international community from the inside. For more than a century
Geneva has been associated with international cooperation It has remained a
major pole of the international system since it was designated as
the Headquarters of the world's first international organization, the
League of Nations in 1919. Nowadays, it is the seat of the UN Office at
Geneva, 5 UN specialized agencies and 15 other UN organizations, it also
hosts numerous other non-UN entities. There are 190 permanent missions
in Geneva from 3 diplomatic corps accredited to UNOG, the Conference on
Disarmament and the WTO. There are also 169 non-governmental
organizations.

In recent years Geneva's role in the UN system has been renewed and
reinvigorated. As a result of the reform initiated in 1993, Geneva has

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