Latest Headlines about International Organizations and UN Bodies

Coronavirus Situation at the Vienna International Centre (VIC): Live-Ticker - New COVID-19 Case at the IAEA

On July 27, 2020, the Vienna International Centre (VIC, UNO-City) reported a new COVID-19 case. Below you can see all messages to all staff working in the four main Vienna-based United Nations organizations (United Nations Office at Vienna/UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN Industrial Development Organization and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization), as announced by UNIS.

June 25, 2020 · Updated: July 28, 2020; 10:30

Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania Presents Credentials

The new Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations (Vienna), Maimuna Kibenga Tarishi, presented her credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.

July 24, 2020

New IOM Regional Director Renate Held Presents Credentials at UN Vienna

The new Permanent Representative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to the United Nations, Renate Held, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna. The IOM has offices in 19 countries and territories in the "South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia Region" (SEEECA) including sub-regional offices in Central Asia and the Western Balkans.

July 22, 2020

New Georgian Ambassador to Austria Has Taken Up Her Post

H.E. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, the newly appointed Ambassador of Georgia to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations and former Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality in Georgia, has handed over her credentials to the Foreign Ministry and the UNOV United Nations Office at Vienna. She succeeds H.E. Mr. David Dondua in this position.

July 21, 2020

New Dean of International Anti-Corruption Academy Accredited at United Nations Office at Vienna

Thomas Stelzer, an Austrian diplomat who serves as the Dean, Executive Secretary and Permanent Representative of the Laxenburg based IACA - International Anti-Corruption Academy presented credentials to the Director-General of UNOV - United Nations Office at Vienna.

July 12, 2020

The International Organization of la Francophonie's Nakseu Nguefang Presents Credentials

The new Permanent Representative of the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF) to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Mr. Georges Nakseu Nguefang, presented his credentials to the Director-General of UNOV.

July 10, 2020

United Nations Charter Day: "75 Years After Its Foundation, We Need the UN More Than Ever."

The United Nations family in Vienna commemorated United Nations Charter Day at UN Headquarters in Vienna and pledged to work to address the shortcomings revealed by the COVID-19 crisis in our systems and social safety nets.

June 26, 2020

Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna Committed to Fixing Failings Exposed by COVID-19

On the occasion of the commemoration of the signing of the UN Charter 75 years ago, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ms Ghada Waly, praised Austria's reasonable approach to the COVID-19 situation and presented the new UN Action Plan for COVID.

June 26, 2020

UN in Vienna Commemorates Signing of Charter of the United Nations

26 June 2020 marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter. To commemorate this anniversary, the Executive Director of UNODC, Ghada Waly, opens the Commission on Narcotic Drugs Special Event with remarks in her capacity as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, and Foreign Minister Schallenberg speaks for Austria, the host country.

June 25, 2020

Human Rights Violations: King Abdullah Center Moves from Vienna to Geneva

After years of criticism, and after the Austrian National Council decided to close it down last year, the controversial Abdullah Centre in Vienna is now apparently leaving Austria and moving to Switzerland.

June 19, 2020

New Permanent Representative of North Korea in Vienna Presented Credentials and Replaces Long-term Diplomat

The new Permanent Representative of North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) to the United Nations, Mr. Choe Kang Il, who was already stationed in Vienna from 2011 to 2015, presented his credentials to the Director-General of UNOV, Ghada Waly. He replaces Mr. Kim Kwang Sop, who, for 27 years has been the highest North Korean diplomat in Austria.

June 19, 2020

Embassy of Kenya in Vienna Endorses Kenya for Africa's Seat on UN Security Council

The Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya in Vienna, which serves the Kenyan diaspora in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and Croatia, endorses Kenya’s bid for one of the five vacant slots reserved for non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Within Africa, Djibouti is still vying for the seat on the UN Security Council.

June 17, 2020

New Permanent Representative of Kenya Presented Credentials to UN and IAEA

The new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kenya to the IAEA and the United Nations in Vienna, Robinson Njeru Githae, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the IAE, Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi.

June 9, 2020

OFID - Austria Headquarters Agreement Updated

An amendment to the Headquarters Agreement between the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and Austria in respect of the privileges and immunities granted therein has revised the 1981 Convention.

June 4, 2020

Vienna International Centre Prepares to Return to Work

In the last two months, i.e. since Monday, 16 March, most of the Vienna International Centre staff have been working from home. From Friday, May 15th, the VIC will start the gradual return to "normal operation". A long-awaited step that will take place gradually and carefully, with the health and well-being of everyone at the VIC remaining the top priority.

May 13, 2020

United Nations: How to Qualify for the Space4Youth Competition?

The Space4Youth competition for young people worldwide to share their ideas on space policy and exploration strives to elevate the voice of youth and to show how young people can contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

May 13, 2020

India and Slovak Republic Rejoin Global Research Institute IIASA

The two former member countries India and Slovak Republic have rejoined the international Research Institute "IIASA - International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis" in Laxenburg near Vienna in recognition of their mutual benefits of scientific collaboration in a broad field of activities of global concern and interest.

April 8, 2020

In an Age of Global Disasters: What is the Task of the Incident and Emergency Centre?

The coronavirus pandemic has probably made it clear to everyone that people and countries should protect themselves better against unforeseeable or potentially fatal dangers, be they virus pandemics or nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies, regardless of whether they arise from accident, negligence or deliberate act. The Incident and Emergency Centre in Vienna as part of the IAEA is the global focal point for international emergency preparedness, communication and response to precisely such incidents and emergencies.

April 8, 2020

IAEA: Rapid Detection of Coronavirus through Nuclear-Derived Technique

The Vienna based IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency is dispatching a first batch of equipment to more than 40 countries to enable them to use a nuclear-derived technique to rapidly detect the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

April 6, 2020

Vienna International Centre: Meanwhile Nine COVID-19 Cases Among VIC Personnel

The VIC Medical Service reports, that there are three more confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving VIC personnel. Still, all employees of the organizations located at the VIC are to work from their home offices. Update: As of March, 31, the cumulative total of COVID-19 among VIC personnel is 10 cases. Update: As of Tuesday, March 31, the cumulative total of COVID-19 among VIC personnel is 10 cases.

March 30, 2020 · Updated: March 31, 2020; 22:30

UN Secretary General: "COVID-19 Threatens All Humanity"

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres launches a worldwide UN emergency appeal for help to combat the pathogen of the lung disease Covid-19 in the poorest countries of the world. The war chest is to be filled with two billion US-dollars by the end of the year.

March 26, 2020

Already Six Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in the VIC Community

While 4750 of the approximately 5000 international diplomats, scientists and support staff working at the VIC (UN in Vienna/UNODC, IAEA, UNIDO and CTBTO PrepCom) still have to work from home, it has been revealed that a total of six employees have now been infected with coronavirus.

March 26, 2020

Vienna International Centre: Second COVID-19 Case - Staff Stay at Home Until April 13

In the meantime, there is a second confirmed case of coronavirus infection at the Vienna International Centre (VIC). In addition, the safety measures taken are being extended. All employees of the organizations located at the VIC are to work from their home offices until Monday April 13, 2020.

March 21, 2020

UN Vienna at the Home Office: Instead of 5000 Staff, only 250

The VIC Vienna International Centre informed today that the order that the staff of the four major UN agencies stationed at the VIC should work from home is bearing fruit, and that only about 250 would come to the VIC. Further measures to reduce attendance are planned.

March 18, 2020

First COVID-19 Case at Vienna International Centre Confirmed

The VIC Vienna International Centre (UNO-City) confirms the first case of coronavirus infection, according to which a person who was thought to have contracted influenza as early as 2 March is now infected with coronavirus after all. According to the VIC, none of the first responders have developed any symptoms in the last 14 days.

March 17, 2020

Coronavirus: VIC Sends Staff to Work from Home

The Vienna International Centre (VIC, UNO-City) is intensifying its security measures against the coronavirus. All employees of the organizations based at the VIC are to work from home from Monday, 16 March to Friday, 3 April. Update: On Sunday, 15 March, the UNIS United Nations Information Service concretised the specifications of the main Vienna-based UN organisations as outlined below.

March 12, 2020 · Updated: March 15, 2020; 17:00

COVID-19 at the VIC - IAEA Director General's Message: "The IAEA continues"

Vienna-based nuclear agancy implements drastic measures following recommendations from Austrian authorities.

March 14, 2020

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Kenya

The new Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to International Organizations in Vienna, H.E. Mr. Robinson Njeru Githae presented the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly with his letter of accreditation.

March 12, 2020

Vienna International Centre Adopts Security Measures against the Coronavirus

In order to ensure the security of the approximately 5000 international diplomats, scientists and support staff working at the VIC, the heads of the 4 largest organizations UN in Vienna/UNODC, IAEA, UNIDO and CTBTO PrepCom have today decided on a number of the following measures.

March 11, 2020

Red Cross Austria on Corona: Situation is Stable

The Austrian Red Cross has already carried out more than 500 infection transports and 800 coronavirus sample collections.

March 4, 2020

Corona-Crisis: Greatest Danger since the Financial Crisis

The OECD is sounding the alarm about the coronavirus and warned of the possibility that global economic growth could be halved this year.

March 2, 2020

Portrait: New Permanent Representative of Poland H.E. Dr. Dominika Krois Presents Credentials

Recently, Ms. Dominika Krois became the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Poland to the United Nations Office and the International Organisations in Vienna.

February 28, 2020

Vienna International Centre: First Suspected Case of COVID-19

The first suspected case of coronavirus infection was reported today from the Vienna International Centre. More than 5,000 employees from more than 125 countries are working in the VIC, also known locally as "UNO City". The UN family in Vienna consists of about 36 international organizations. Wednesday at 4:54 p.m. the all-clear was given. The patient tested negative for the virus.

February 26, 2020 · Updated: February 26, 2020; 16:54

Headquarters Agreement with OPEC Fund Limits Privileges and Immunities

An amendment to the Headquarters Agreement between Austria and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) is intended to bring the 1981 Convention up to date and comparable with modern Headquarters Agreements.

February 18, 2020

Austria's Blockade of the Libya Mission "Sophia"

The EU foreign ministers have reached a basic consensus for a military mission to monitor the UN arms embargo on Libya. The EU naval operation "Sophia" in the Mediterranean Sea off Libya, however, will be terminated, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said in a statement after the Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

February 18, 2020

Nuclear Safety: Nuclear Weapons, Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Power are Major Challenges

The international community currently faces numerous challenges in the field of nuclear safety. At the ICONS - International Conference on Nuclear Security Conference of the IAEA in Vienna, these issues were discussed at policymaker level.

February 13, 2020

Counter-Terrorism: Challenges Posed by Foreign Fighters Returning from Conflict Areas

Security conference in Vienna calls on countries to address challenges posed by foreign terrorist fighters in respect of international law.

February 12, 2020

Brexit: Global Research Institute IIASA Gratified that UK Remains Member

The UK, which is one of 23 member countries and which has been a member of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Laxenburg near Vienna since 2015, has confirmed funding for a further five years of UK membership of the institute.

February 10, 2020

ICONS 2020 - Global Nuclear Security Players Prioritise Their Agenda

The IAEA is currently organizing the third International Conference on Nuclear Security: Sustaining and Strengthening Efforts (ICONS 2020) at its headquarters in Vienna. The conference provides a forum for ministers, senior officials, policymakers and nuclear security experts to formulate and exchange views on achievements and experiences, current approaches, future directions and priorities for nuclear security.The previous conference, held three years ago, attracted over 2000 participants, including 47 government ministers, from 139 Member States and 29 intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

February 10, 2020

Schallenberg Completes UN Headquarters and Washington, D.C. Visit

After talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Strategic Coordination Volker Türk, US Secretary-General Mike Pompeo and others, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg ended his visit to the USA. The focus was on the 75th anniversary of the UN and Austria's 65th anniversary of UN membership.

February 7, 2020

What Should We Do About Climate Change?

Young scientists from all research disciplines will meet at IST Austria - Institute of Science and Technology in Klosterneuburg to discuss the significant question: "The climate is changing – what can we do?"

February 7, 2020

Schallenberg Met UN Secretary General Guterres

UN Secretary-General Guterres met with Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg.

February 6, 2020

Vienna as a Centre of International Diplomacy - Mayor Ludwig Welcomes Ghada Waly

Mayor Michael Ludwig received the new Director General of the United Nations in Vienna, Ghada Waly, at the Vienna City Hall.

February 6, 2020

New UN Drugs and Crime Agency Boss Took Office

Ghada Fathi Waly is the Director-General/Executive Director of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV)/United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) since 1 February 2020, following her appointment by Secretary-General António Guterres. She holds the rank of Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.

February 5, 2020

Inaugural Visit of the New UNODC Boss Ms. Ghada Waly

Ghada Fathi Waly, the new Executive Director of UNODC and the new Director-General of UNOV, met Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen for talks during her inaugural visit.

February 4, 2020

UNWG International Festival - Charity Bazaar 2020 at the Austria Center Vienna

Once again this year, 20,000 visitors from all nations are expected at the 52nd Bazaar of the United Nations Womens Guild Vienna (UNWG) at the Austria Center Vienna. With the sale of culinary delicacies, products and handicrafts from over 80 countries, the UNWG collects money for needy children. The proceeds will again be donated to charitable organizations.

February 4, 2020

Schallenberg in NYC and in Washington, D.C.

During his three-day visit to the USA, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg will meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, among others. The participation at the National Prayer Breakfast is also on the agenda.

February 4, 2020

China Returnees: No Coronavirus in Vienna yet

The first coronavirus test results (2019-nCoV PCR tests) of those seven Austrians who returned Sunday from the Chinese province of Hubei and were transferred directly to the Hygiene Centre Vienna are now available and all of them are negative.

February 4, 2020

Reception of Austria-Accredited Ambassadors in the Federal Chancellery

The new Austrian Federal Government is in favour of continuing multilateral cooperation, especially in cooperation with the European countries.

January 31, 2020

UN Executive Director Yury Fedotov Bids Farewell to Vienna

The Russian diplomat Yury Fedotov, who was - until December 31, 2019 - the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and also the Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna (UNOV) has now officially taken his leave.

January 30, 2020