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100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International

like between parliamentarians of different political parties in his country.
"Well,” he said, “of course, they are fighting each other from time to time, in
particular, when there is a TV camera around. However, when we have to
discuss serious matters, most of us - regardless of political views and party
affiliations - understand that we have a common aim: the independence and
prosperity of our country. The differences only concern the ways in which we
should accomplish this aim. This allows us to achieve compromise and to solve
very complicated problems together.” Frankly, when I listened to this reply, I
felt a sort of admiration at how common sense and responsibility are able to
prevail in spite of public appearance.

15. Unfortunately, what is often missing in contemporary international
politics is precisely this understanding of the necessity of common sense and
common responsibility. Many politicians pay lip service to the interests of
humankind, global issues, interdependence etc., but, in most cases, countries
still view international politics - both privately and at the negotiating table - as a
sort of chess game - you either win or lose; you have to outsmart your
opponent; you do not compromise until you are forced to.

16. Let's take as an example the activities of the United Nations
Development Programme, which is one of the main instruments for helping
developing States to solve their economic problems. Last week, UNDP
organized a conference to discuss financial contributions by Member State. As
you are well aware, many books and articles have been written about the
interdependence of the world economy and the need to help those least-
developed countries which are in a desperate economic situation. However, of
the US$ 1.2 billion requested by UNDP, the developed countries agreed to pay
only US$ 920 million. This means that many programmes, including those
aimed at eliminating hunger or improving medical services, will never be
implemented. This will add to social tension and thereby increase the risk of
new conflicts breaking out.

In spite of all this, I don't want you to get the impression that I am a
pessimist. The UN is rapidly adjusting to the new international environment
and I am sure it will be able to overcome all of its present difficulties.

The UN today is already a little more than just the sum of its parts. It has
accumulated valuable assets of its own - an experienced international staff and
what I would call a wealth of international "know-how" for dealing with all
kinds of crises as well as assistance to people in trouble.

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