WTO NEWS: SPEECHES — DG ROBERTO AZEVÊDO


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Roberto Azevêdo’s speeches

  

Excellencies,
Friends,
Ladies and gentlemen,

We often talk about ‘pillars’ in this place. The agriculture negotiations have three. The organisation itself began with three, now it has four, with the growth of our technical assistance work.

It’s rare, however, for the word to be applied to an individual. But I think in this case it is appropriate.

Luzius was a pillar of the multilateral trading system.

I would like to think that these buildings were also his home.

He was instrumental in creating the system as we know it today. He was the Coordinator of the Swiss Delegation in the Uruguay Round Negotiations. He then helped to implement the results of the Round and build the WTO through a variety of roles — including as chair of the Negotiating Group on Market Access, where he became particularly well-known and well-regarded also within the Secretariat.

He served as Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the WTO, EFTA, UNCTAD, UNECE and the ITC.

In this role and others, he was also a pillar of his country, which he served throughout his life.

And, of course, he was a pillar of our community here in Geneva.

Luzius was a dear friend, and an extraordinary man.

He was an exceptional diplomat, skilful and bright — a fantastic combination of talents. Luzius and I worked together over many years. Our paths coincided frequently when we were both chief negotiators of our respective countries. As we were coordinators of the G20 and G10 respectively, I must say that our views on agriculture never quite overlapped! So, in fact, our paths actually often clashed, rather than coincided. And that means that I can personally testify to his abilities, as a negotiator, as a diplomat, as a colleague, as a friend.

He had a legendary sense of humour — and his words, even delivered in the funniest of jokes, were always meaningful. He would always open a meeting or begin a statement with a joke — something that would automatically help diffuse tensions even at the most tense and challenging times. But he also wanted people to understand him clearly, so very often he would put aside long, prepared, diplomatic speeches and get directly to the point.

I think Luzius’s skill as a diplomat was underpinned by a quality that we don’t highlight often enough, but which is essential. He was a remarkable listener.

He seemed to have a preternatural ability to find common ground and to tease out the elements that people shared. But really there was nothing mysterious about it — he could find common ground because he had listened very carefully to everyone.

I think some of these traits also defined him outside his official capacity.

Luzius loved life.  He enjoyed being around people, and he was an example, a teacher and a mentor to younger generations — which he genuinely cherished and valued. Even after his retirement, he continued to pass on his knowledge:

  • as Chairman of the Board in the World Trade Institute in Bern;
  • as a teacher in universities across the country;
  • as the President of the Diplomatic Club in Geneva and the Swiss Forum for International Policy.

I can remember his farewell speech at the General Council, when with a very solemn voice he announced: “On behalf of Switzerland, I would like to bid farewell to Luzius Wasescha — who finally makes space for younger people.” His voice was unmistakable, and his laughter contagious.

Many here in the Secretariat had the great honor to meet Luzius and learn from his exceptional wisdom, knowledge, experience and determination. I have no doubt that we are still benefitting from his wisdom today — and will for many years to come.

Of course Luzius was the beloved husband of our dear friend and former colleague Thu-Lang, a worldwide expert on intellectual property. We all stand with her and with all the family at this very trying time.

I think one more reason why Luzius made such an impact here is that he truly believed in our mission. He strongly believed in international cooperation and worked relentlessly towards it. That’s why, while he was the Swiss Ambassador to the WTO, the reverse was also true. He was also the WTO Ambassador to Switzerland! 

He always believed that the role and contribution of the international community in general, and of the WTO in particular, should be communicated and explained to the Swiss people. And as he considered himself, in his own words, as a “travailleur du peuple”, he spared no effort in bringing the international community closer to the people. This included touring different cantons to act as the champion of the international community in Switzerland.

Luzius’ career and life have been characterized by humanity, and a strong sense of commitment to his causes. Cooperation was his cause and his vocation: co-operation among people, among organizations, and among WTO members.

Of course, Luzius put it best himself. In the General Council in October 2009, he said:

“Nous avons, je crois, un joyaux à conserver dans cette maison, c’est le multilatéralisme qui fait de chaque faible un fort et qui fait de chaque fort un être civilisé.”  

Therefore I think the best way we have to commemorate Luzius and to celebrate his life is to continue honouring the cause he believed in: to preserve this jewel of co-operation, to keep working to preserve the cause of multilateralism — to make the weak strong and the strong civilized.

For me personally, just the thought that he’s not here with us is hard to accept. We will miss Luzius more than we can express. But we should seek solace in the fact that his legacy will continue to resonate for many years to come.

Thank you Luzius!

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