Director-General's remarks at the Donation ceremony of a photograph of Dr. José Gustavo Guerrero

Donation ceremony of a photograph of Dr. José Gustavo Guerrero overseeing the laying of the foundation stone of the Palais des Nations

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 at 1.00 p.m.
In front of Concordia 1, Palais des Nations

Excellencies, 
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear colleagues and friends,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the Palais des Nations for the donation of this historic photograph of Dr. José Gustavo Guerrero overseeing the laying of the foundation stone of this building.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Her Excellency Ambassador Lozano Gallegos and her colleagues from the Permanent Mission of El Salvador, as well as to the Rector of the “Doctor José Gustavo Guerrero” Diplomatic Institute, Her Excellency Núñez de Saade for this generous donation and for convening this event.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today we pay tribute to a truly remarkable Salvadoran. Dr. Guerrero was a distinguished diplomat and jurist who helped shape international law and multilateral institutions in the twentieth century.

After serving his country as an envoy and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Guerrero was elected President of the 10th session of the Assembly of the League of Nations, where he played a pivotal role in a new era of multilateral cooperation. It was also in this role, that on 7 September 1929, he oversaw the laying of the foundation stone of what would become the Palais des Nations — at the time, one of the largest building complexes in Europe, second only to Versailles.

Dr. Guerrero’s commitment to international law remained steadfast in the most difficult times. As President of the Permanent Court of International Justice during the Second World War, he upheld judicial independence and defended the sanctity of the Court in the face of immense pressure. He later became the first President of the International Court of Justice, continuing to serve as a justice until 1964, and leaving a profound and lasting legacy. 

Half a century later, El Salvador continues to build on his legacy — through its dedicated diplomats and through its strong engagement in the United Nations and multilateralism.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dr. Guerrero held an unwavering belief in peaceful conflict resolution, mutual respect and international cooperation. Throughout his career, he demonstrated integrity, courage and commitment to justice. These values remain as essential today as they were in his time — guiding our efforts to advance peace, protect human rights, and promote sustainable development in an increasingly complex world.

This photograph also invites us to reflect on the enduring symbolism of the foundation stone itself. Remarkably, it remains in place today, embedded within the Palais complex in the Concordia area below the Assembly Hall.

Beneath it lies a casket containing a list of League of Nations member states, a copy of the Covenant of the League, and coins from all countries represented at the 10th Assembly — a powerful reminder of the aspirations that underpinned this institution.

Nearly 100 years after Dr. Guerrero oversaw the laying of the foundation stone of the Palais des Nations, Geneva remains a hub for global cooperation. Yet, the multilateral system is being tested like never before.

As we reflect on this photograph and on Dr. Guerrero’s legacy, let us also reflect on our shared responsibility. In today’s turbulent world, I hope that Dr. Guerrero can stand as a beacon for diplomacy, tolerance and cooperation. Let us all carry forward his vision for a more peaceful, just and inclusive world.

Thank you.