SPEECH BY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF UNOG AT CEREMONY TO RAISE SWITZERLAND'S FLAG AT THE PALAIS DES NATIONS

This is the speech delivered by Sergei Ordzhonikidze, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, at the ceremony to mark the raising of the flag of Switzerland at the Palais des Nations. Switzerland on 10 September became the 190th Member State of the United Nations.
"I am delighted to welcome you all here at the Palais des Nations for the historic raising of the Swiss Confederation's flag to mark Switzerland's entry into the United Nations.
On Tuesday, when President Kaspar Villiger spoke for the first time in front of the General Assembly after Switzerland had been admitted to the UN by acclamation, he delivered his address in three of the four national languages of Switzerland. Today, I will also attempt three as I welcome Switzerland to the UN by saying:
La Suisse est chez elle aux Nations Unies.
Die Schweiz ist in den Vereinten Nationen zu Hause.
La Svizzera è a casa sua alle Nazioni Unite
As the Swiss flag was raised in New York, the Secretary-General stressed that Switzerland is a compelling example of the values and ideals that the UN stands for: a peaceful and multicultural society, built on firm democratic foundations. I should like to add that the Swiss belief in openness, tolerance and respect; your strong humanitarian traditions; and your extensive experience in inclusive politics and consensus building will also be of great benefit to our common efforts. With these qualities, Switzerland has an impact on international affairs that far exceeds its geographical size. Likewise, the strong Swiss work ethic, thoroughness and punctuality will be valuable assets for our Organization. There may even be some that say that these qualities have been as long awaited as Swiss membership itself!
As the biggest European centre of UN activities, we are particularly pleased to welcome our generous Hosts as Members. From first-hand experience, we are familiar with Swiss expertise and know-how in international diplomacy; your commitment to cross-cultural exchange; and your solidarity with fellow members of the international community. Swiss membership will only serve to highlight Geneva's important role in multilateral cooperation.
For Switzerland and for the United Nations, full Swiss membership marks the beginning of a new era. But we should not forget that Switzerland for many years has been a committed and generous participant in a large number of UN Agencies and Programmes. Today, therefore, we celebrate both the opening of a new chapter and - at the same time - the continuation of a constructive partnership. As a full Member, Switzerland will be able to leave a firmer imprint on the Organization's work and present Swiss ideas to the international community on an even wider range of issues. There is no doubt that the international family of nations will benefit greatly through Swiss membership of the United Nations.
Welcome home. Bienvenus chez vous. Willkommen zu Hause. Benvenuti a casa vostra".
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