“History as News: 1898-2012”

Ambassador Fasel
Deputy High Commissioner Kang
Mr. Kārkliņš
Ms. von Hall
Mr. Bosch
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the opening of this exhibition - a truly collaborative effort of the Geneva Association of United Nations Correspondents (ACANU), the Permanent Missions of Sweden, Switzerland and the United States of America, as well as OHCHR, UNOG, UNISDR, UNHCR, UNESCO, WIPO, ITU, WTO and the Club Suisse de la presse. I would like to express my appreciation to Mr. Bosch for loaning his collection to be shown for the first time publicly in Geneva, here at the Palais des Nations. I would also like to extend particular thanks to both ACANU and our host country Switzerland for their unfailing support of Geneva-based journalists, and especially those who cover the work of the United Nations.

We are fortunate to have such a strong press corps in Geneva, with more than 300 journalists accredited here at UNOG on a permanent basis, and over 500 journalists who cover events on a temporary basis. These numbers reflect the steady public interest in the important work of the UN family in Geneva.

As we look at this fascinating exhibition, we see how much the world has achieved over the past 100 years through collaboration. The United Nations has played an important role in many of these world events. War, peace, technological advances – they are all represented here, through the journalists who covered them.

A free press - whether in traditional or newer forms - gives people access to the information they need to make decisions about their lives. A free press helps to hold leaders accountable, to expose corruption, and to promote transparency. A free press represents an outlet for different voices, especially those that would otherwise go unheard.
But while freedom of expression is accepted and recognized by the international community at large, it is clear that it is not universally protected. Every day, journalists around the world carry out their work under the threat of intimidation and fear. Through the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, endorsed in April of last year, the United Nations system is now intensifying our efforts to raise awareness, help Member States strengthen legal frameworks and encourage them to investigate attacks against journalists. This work is essential in protecting this fundamental human right.

Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen:

As we enjoy this truly international exhibition - with 100 years of news from many countries and in many languages – let us all pledge to protect and promote the essential work of journalists, as it is necessary for building stronger, healthier and more peaceful societies.

Thank you very much.