Tempus, the temporary infrastructure for conferences at the Palais des Nations, is officially open for business! Named after the Latin word for “time”, its tailored design has been conceived to best answer the needs for conferences and meetings while major renovation works are conducted in the historic Palais, as part of the Strategic Heritage Plan (SHP).? Tempus is expected to be used until the renovation work at the Palais des Nations is fully completed in 2024.

Its current three 200-seat conference rooms will be turned into a single 600-seat large conference room prior to the renovation works in building E, where the majority of large conference rooms are located. ?Each of the rooms is equipped with interpretation booths. Sign language interpretation, webcast and remote participation are also possible in Tempus 2. In line with SHP objectives, the entire facility is fully accessible.

Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, opened the facility along with H.E. Mr. Jürg Lauber, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva.

“In spite of the very challenging times, in spite of the pandemic, in spite of the economic and social crisis, the necessity of an additional building for multilateral and international meetings is more important than ever. Congratulations to everyone who helped deliver Tempus. I’m happy to declare it open”, said Ms. Valovaya.

The new facility hosted its very first conference on Monday, 21 September, the Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety, held by the United Nations European Economic Commission and the International Trade Centre.

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