Page 90 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International

and protection to refugees all over the world, from Bosnia and Somalia to
Georgia, lndo-China and Latin America.

6. As you are well aware, Geneva International is in the process of adapting
to the new realities of the post-Cold War era, as is the whole of the UN system.
This is not an easy process. In the period of global transformation, the major
assignment of the UN is to direct the change into the democratic, non-violent,
evolutionary channel. Very often the UN is asked to solve problems which
exceed its initial preview, for example, to provide humanitarian assistance and
organize peace-keeping operations in the countries torn by civil wars or to
rescue states where governmental structures have collapsed. I would like to
briefly outline what is being done at UNOG and, in this context, I would
welcome any suggestions you may have for further improving our work.

7. There has been a considerable increase in the volume of traditional
UNOG work. The UN Office at Geneva remains the world's main centre for
conference diplomacy. In 1992, it serviced a total of 4,029 meetings. In 1993,
the figure increased to 4,271. We provide services for the Geneva-based
specialized agencies and UN organs, as well as a large number of "visiting
conferences" such as the Conference on the Former Yugoslavia and the talks on
Georgia and Nagorny Karabakh. This work includes interpretation, translation,
documentation, publishing and library services.

8. UNOG is now developing close dialogue with the UN specialized
agencies located not only in Switzerland but also in other European countries.
As a focal point for the United Nations in Europe, UNOG is stimulating co­
operation with the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe
(CSCE) and the Council of Europe. With regard to the CSCE, UNOG has
been engaged in economic, social and human rights activities, as well as those
related to the strengthening of democratic institutions. UNOG, while
European-based, is globally-oriented. We continue our dialogue with the
countries of Asia and Africa, as well as their regional organizations, with the aim
of achieving close cooperation. Recently, I had fruitful talks with the Secretary-
General of the Organization of African Unity on matters of mutual interest.

9. To meet these challenges and in order to respond to new demands,
UNOG needs to be reorganized. Administrative, financial and personnel pro-
cedures have been reviewed and a more rational distribution of responsibilities,
tasks and competence is being arranged between Headquarters in New York
and Geneva. We already have some encouraging results and have moved to the

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