Representatives from China and the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) have signed a memorandum of understanding whereby China will finance the full refurbishment and renovation of the cinema room of the Palais des Nations, it was announced Tuesday.
The room, first built in 1936 and not renovated since, will be remodeled into a well-equipped conference hall and named "China Hall," the first of its kind in various UN buildings.
It is expected to be completed by the end of 2019, with the design incorporating Chinese cultural elements.
Ma Zhaoxu, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China to UNOG, said the project was a sign of China's continuing support for the United Nations.
Michael Moller, director-general of UNOG, said after the signing that he was delighted that China was contributing to the preservation of the Palais des Nations, which constitutes a historical heritage for mankind and an operational hub of the international system.
"Member states across the world have shown signs of solidarity by supporting the renovation of the Palais des Nations, and it is great to have China on board as well," said Moller.
UNOG is now planning a so-called "strategic heritage plan" to renovate the 80-year-old Palais des Nations and construct a new building. Restoration and construction work will begin in 2017 and is expected to conclude by 2023.
