Page 32 - DIVA_3_2022

international

leafing through the pages of the archives

Geneva International –

through the decade that led to the Swiss referendum (1993-2002)

After a successful referendum twenty years ago, Switzerland “Geneva International: Triangle of peace-building
became the 190 UN member State . Geneva Canton led and crisis prevention, a three-dimensional centre for
1
th
the favourable vote with 66.7%, in contrast to only 33.7% conference diplomacy, operations and political know how.
in favour in 1986 . Of course, there were many politicians
2
and diplomats working behind the scenes to achieve such a “Geneva is one of the few crucial centres for interaction
positive result in so short a period – only 15 years divided between global and regional structures”
the two referenda. They worked tirelessly with conviction
and devotion to bring about this tremendous victory. “International Geneva, Geneva of multilateral diplomacy,
Undoubtedly, Geneva International played an important is deeply rooted in a past that explains the present and
role as well. The “Geneva International” concept, formulated augurs well for the future”.
in 1993 by the Director-General of UNOG, increased the
visibility of Geneva. It strengthened its role as the capital “Geneva International has enjoyed a unique reputation for
of multilateralism and diplomacy, of dialogue and Pax its tolerance, humanitarianism and democratic pluralism
Universalis, of tolerance and openness, humanitarianism since the Middle Ages”.
and human security. Of course, this would not have been
possible without the support of Secretaries-General “History of Geneva dating back to Calvin testifies that “the
Boutros Boutros-Ghali and Kofi Annan, as well as the many spirit of Geneva is a spirit of openness which enables it
diplomats who worked tirelessly for Geneva. Below are to spill into the world”, a spirit of responsibility, freedom,
quotes to show the atmosphere during the decade preceding charity and humanism, contributing to harmony among
the referendum. Most of these ideas, formulated more than nations”.
three decades ago , are living today or have been reinforced
3
over the years. Let us revisit some of them: “Geneva can help the international community to build
a bridge between the twentieth century and the next
“Geneva - Europolis of Pax UN”. millennium - a bridge leading to a new world free from
ideological confrontations, where the eternal ideals of
“Though it is European based, Geneva is not freedom, progress, social justice and peace could be
Eurocentristic, it is Global”. achieved in the conditions of democracy”.

“Geneva is a bridge between people and civilizations”. “Geneva is a unique international centre of diplomatic and
legal knowhow which goes back to well before the time of
“Geneva is a natural habitat of multilateral diplomacy”. the League of Nations”.

“Geneva - the symbol of multilateralism with its “spirit of “From Geneva, ideas of peace, justice and progress spread
openness”. throughout the world. The experiment in international
relations, of which Geneva is the scene, concerns every
The popular referendum took place on 3 March 2002 and human being. Geneva represents a tremendous investment
resulted in 54,6% in favour of the accession. by the human race for its own survival”.
2 In 2002 Geneva had the highest percentage of favourable
votes among the 3 cantons that voted in favour of the Swiss “The city of Geneva is one of the largest European centres
accession. Source : Le Conseil fédéral/Chancellerie fédé- of international interactions. This happened because of the
rale/Droits politiques/Votations https://www.bk.admin.ch/ spirit of openness, responsibility, freedom, and humanism
ch/f/pore/va/ 98603 6/can338.html ( 986), https://www. which is so common among the people of Geneva and
bk.admin.ch/ch/f/pore/va/20020303/index.html (2002).
3 From the memory book “V.Petrovsky: 00 Reflections that which has allowed this city to win a worldwide recognition”.
Crafted Geneva International – Bringing the Concept to Life”,
under preparation by Evelina Rioukhina, based on the pri-
vate family archives, planned for publication late 2022/early
2023.

a
t
i
e
r
n
o
.
h
c
n
a
l
w
w
.

w w w. d i va i n t e r n at i o n a l . c h
w
d
i
n
t
i
v
a