Director-General's remarks for the Exhibition of the archives documenting the drafting of the International Bill of Human Rights (1946–1966), inscribed into UNESCO’s Memory of the World International Register

Exhibition of the archives documenting the drafting of the International Bill of Human Rights (1946–1966), inscribed into UNESCO’s Memory of the World International Register

Tuesday, 10 June, at 1.00 p.m.
Library & Archives foyer, 1st floor

Delivered on behalf of the Director-General by
Ms. Lidiya Grigoreva, Cheffe de Cabinet, Office of the Director-General

Excellences,
Ladies and gentlemen,

This is a moment to celebrate! This exhibition marks a pivotal achievement. Congratulations to the Library & Archives on completing successfully the process leading to this historic inscription. The Library & Archives works daily to safeguard the documentary heritage of the UN and of Multilateralism.

The timing is very symbolic. 80 years since the creation of the UN and nearly 80 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

These documents emerged from unprecedented global collaboration post-WWII, reflecting humanity’s resolve to prevent future atrocities. These drafts and meeting records reveal how principles such as equality, dignity, and justice, emerged in the international debate.

Ms. Blandine Blukacz-Louisfert, Head of the Institutional Memory at UNOG will tell us more about these documents in a few moments.

This exhibition reminds us that Geneva has a powerful legacy as a hub for multilateralism. The UN Library & Archives in Geneva preserve critical knowledge about the centrality of Geneva to multilateralism in general and to human rights governance in particular.

For example, UNESCO decided at the same time, the inscription of the Geneva Conventions in the Register of the Memory of the World, reinforcing Geneva’s enduring relevance.

The work we do in preserving important historical records is very important. In these times of reform and streamlining, I am committed to upholding our mission to preserve the history and knowledge of the Organization.

My sincere thanks to all of you at the Library & Archives who dedicate your professional efforts to the important mission of preservation, digitization and mobilization of UN knowledge.

These archives are not relics of the past but blueprints for a future where human dignity can prevail.

Thank you.