Page 91 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

second stage of reorganization: to improve staff planning, management and
accountability.

10. Of course, the strengthening of Geneva as the second most important
centre of UN activities is facilitated by the spirit of Geneva. Seventy years ago,
Geneva succeeded - despite competition from Paris and Brussels - in gaining
the right to accommodate the Headquarters of the League of Nations, thanks,
mainly to its reputation as city of internationalism, tolerance and political im-
partiality as well as to the considerable experience in organizing large
international fairs and meetings. Since then, Geneva's potential has been en-
hanced by an impressive infrastructure from which both the international
community and the city of Geneva benefit. I am convinced that, in the new
post-Cold War world, Geneva will maintain its prominent place in multilateral
diplomacy despite the fact that a growing number of States are eager to
host United Nations institutions. This belief is based on the good relations
that exist between the UN and the authorities of the Canton of Geneva and
the Government of the Swiss Confederation. From my first days as Director­
General of UNOG, I have been satisfied by their readiness to support the UN,
in particular with regard to the Humanitarian Centre project and
preparations for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the World
Organization in 1995. I hope that Geneva will strive to achieve the highest
standards in accommodating one of the world's largest communities of
diplomats and international civil servants. On our part, we will do our best to
maintain friendly cooperative relations between the UN staff and the people of
Geneva, to live as one community.

11. 1994 has begun well for Geneva International. In particular:

• During his recent visit here, UN Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros
Boutros-Ghali, devoted time to important political functions,
including the negotiations on the former Yugoslavia and on
Georgia. He also participated in the work of the Advisory Board
on Disarmament which met in this city for the first time;

• Early this year, it was suggested that a ministerial-level meeting of
the Security Council be held in Geneva to discuss the conflict in
the former Yugoslavia. I have always advocated that at least one of
the periodic ministerial meetings of the Council should be
convened here;

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