Page 86 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International

14. As a focal point for UN activities in Europe, UNOG is stimulating
regional cooperation through such institutions as the Conference on Security
and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) and the Council of Europe. With regard
to the CSCE, for example, UNOG has been designated as a focal point for
activities in the economic, social and human rights fields as well as those related
to the strengthening of democratic institutions.

15. UNOG is a European-based but globally oriented international centre.
Thus, we continue our dialogue with the countries of Asia and Africa and their
regional organizations with the aim of further enhancing our cooperation. Just
recently, I had very fruitful talks on this subject with the Secretary-General of
the Organization of African Unity.

16. To meet these challenges and in order to respond to new demands,
UNOG requires reorganization and a considerable improvement in its
functioning. Many administrative, financial and personnel procedures have had
to be reviewed and a more rational distribution of responsibilities, tasks and
competence to be worked out between central Headquarters and Geneva. This
work began last year. We already have some encouraging results and have
moved to the second stage of the reorganization, the major aim of which is to
improve staff planning and management and to enhance responsibility and
accountability.

17. One of the most important areas for improvement in the work of
Geneva International is the strengthening of its ties with non-governmental
bodies. Contrary to popular belief, the UN was intended as an organization to
unite people of the world, not just Governments. It is noteworthy that the
UN Charter begins with the words: "We the people of the United
Nations... ". Traditionally, the UN Office at Geneva has always cooperated
closely with non­governmental organizations. Recently, we have also
begun to establish contacts with the European business community.

18. I would like to stress that the UN Office at Geneva, and the World
Organization in general, needs the support of the business community as well
as all other social strata of national societies. The more we cooperate with
non­governmental structures, the more open, flexible, responsive and
democratic the Organization will be. The spheres for such cooperation are
numerous. There is a need for support of UN political decisions, for example,
in connection with UN economic sanctions against certain States. We need the
advice and suggestions of the business community on how to settle numerous

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