Page 55 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

If it is a desire of the members of the Security Council, one of its
ministerial meetings could be held periodically, say in Spring, in Geneva.

As the second largest centre of the United Nations for global activities of
the Organization, Geneva will increasingly enhance its contribution in such
fields as human rights, humanitarian affairs, environment and sustainable
development and disarmament-related issues.

UNOG has already established its cooperation and dialogue with the
agencies in Geneva and Bern and has been enhancing the links of communica-
tion with all other European-based agencies and programmes of UN.

And finally, as a focal point for UN activities in Europe based on the
"Agenda for peace", UNOG is stimulating regional cooperation through such
institutions as CSCE, the European Community and the Council of Europe.

From my very first days as Director-General of the United Nations Office
at Geneva, I have always felt the strong support of the President and the
Foreign Ministry of Switzerland. Support not only in my efforts to strengthen
UNOG, but also for the United Nations as a whole.

Although Switzerland is not a Member State of the United Nations, one
can feel the quality mark of Swiss diplomacy in UN affairs.

Through its centuries-old tradition, Switzerland has lent its good offices to
the Member States, which was reflected, in particular, in the bold undertakings
of such eminent persons as Ambassador Brunner.

Through its experience, Switzerland enriches the codification of interna-
tional law, the protection of human rights, humanitarian and economic
assistance.

Switzerland has taken the timely initiative of convening the International
Conference on the Victims of War, which was a real success.

I should also like to stress how much the voluntary contributions of Swit-
zerland are appreciated by the international community. This is tremendously
important for the United Nations, especially in this time of financial crisis, set-
ting a good example to the Member States of the Organization.

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