The signing of the agreement in Geneva represented a culmination of long-standing negotiations between the Soviet Union and Afghanistan, facilitated by the United Nations. These negotiations sought to resolve the violent conflict that had erupted in 1979 when the Soviet Union intervened in Afghanistan to support the communist government against insurgent forces. The decade of conflict saw significant casualties and displacement for the Afghan population. The Geneva Accords, formally signed at this ceremony, included terms for a gradual withdrawal of Soviet forces and provisions for respecting Afghanistan's sovereignty and independence.

The event was attended by key representatives, including Afghan Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah and Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze. The agreement called for an exchange of prisoners and promoted a political settlement among Afghanistan's factions. The UN played a crucial mediating role, emphasizing international collaboration for the future of Afghanistan. This was a pivotal moment in the Cold War context, as it highlighted the complexities of superpower involvement in regional conflicts and the implications for international relations moving forward.

Although the signing was a major step towards peace, the aftermath of withdrawal saw the continued struggle for power among Afghan factions, leading to a protracted civil war. The repercussions of the Soviet-Afghan War and the eventual power vacuum contributed to the rise of the Taliban in the 1990s and affected geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia and beyond. Ultimately, this event represents a turning point in Soviet history, marking the beginning of the end of its influence in Afghanistan and a shift in Cold War policies.