United Nations Radio

One of the key conference facilities at the United Nations office in Geneva has undergone major refurbishment and renovation at a cost of more than 18 million dollars. Conference room 20 has been fitted with state of the art conference facilities. A major feature included in the renovation is an artistic work by Spanish artist Miguel Barcelo. Patrick Maigua reports from Geneva.~

Conference Room 20 at the Palais de Nations in Geneva is where the United Nations Human Rights Council will hold its regular sessions. Following the renovation, the conference room has been renamed the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, which according to the Director General of the United Nations office in Geneva Sergei Ordzhonikidze highlights the two central issues on the United Nations agenda. The dome of the conference room has been decorated by the famous Spanish artist Miguel Barcelo. The renovation work was funded by Spain. Mr Ordzhonikidze said the renovation was an illustration of Spain's commitment to values, principles and mission of the United Nation and the preservation of the unique heritage that the Palais des Nations represents.

"Together, the renovation and the artwork are most likely the largest donation of its kind ever to the United Nations. The renovation of the room takes place within the context of our ongoing efforts to ensure that the Palais remains fully functional. Indeed, the entire Palais urgently needs to be comprehensively renovated and refurbished through a Strategic Heritage Plan."

The new facility will be unveiled next week at a ceremony to be attended by Spain's King Juan Carlos and the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Patrick Maigua, UN Radio, Geneva.

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