Page 87 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

problems facing the UN in the economic and social fields. There is a need for
restructuring of the system of international bodies dealing with economic
issues and here the advice of experienced leaders of the business community
could be invaluable.

19. Last June, I had the chance to speak in Paris before representatives of
the business community. In particular, I suggested the setting up of an
organization of businessmen - the European Business Council for the United
Nations - which could help mobilize the support of the business community for
the UN. A similar New York based organization, but with rather modest aims,
has been in existence in New York since 1957. This idea has attracted
considerable interest and I have received many letters from individual
businessmen putting forward proposals for cooperation between business and
the UN. The Swiss business community may also like to participate in this
undertaking.

20. In this connection, I would like to mention that I have received a
number of proposals from businessmen who are eager to make donations to
the United Nations. Some of them prefer to assist the Organization in a
particular field, such as protection of human rights or aid to refugees. However,
UN rules on this matter are rather complicated. Our Financial Service is not
allowed to receive contributions directly from non-governmental entities. A
suggestion has been made to set up a special fund in support of UN activities,
in Geneva or elsewhere in Europe, which may help to solve this problem.

21. The forthcoming 50th Anniversary of the United Nations offers a good
opportunity for establishing cooperation between the World Organization and
the business community. In this connection, we already have the support of
Geneva authorities and expect the creation of the national committee in Bern.
This occasion could help to mobilize the efforts of the local business community
and create a structure for its continuing interaction with the UN.

22. I am concluding my brief remarks with the hope that they have helped
you to better understand the UN and what it is doing here in Geneva.

Thank you for your attention.

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