Latest Headlines about International Organizations and UN Bodies

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

Traditional New Year Reception for the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna

The Federal President's Reception for the Diplomatic Corps annually gathers all diplomatic representatives in Vienna in the Ceremonial Hall of the Hofburg.

January 17, 2020

Egyptian Ms. Ghada Fathi Waly Appointed Executive Director of United Nations Agency UNODC

The United Nations announced the appointment of Ghada Fathi Waly of Egypt as the next Executive Director of the Vienna based United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Ms. Waly will also serve as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV). She succeeds Yury Fedotov of the Russian Federation.

December 20, 2019

Vienna Energy Forum 2020 as a Hub for Innovative and Sustainable Energy Solutions

During high-level talks at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 25), Maria Patek, Austria's Federal Minister for Sustainability and Tourism, announced the hosting of the Vienna Energy Forum (VEF) 2020.

December 11, 2019

OPEC Headquarters Vienna: World Oil Market Outlook 2019 Launched

OPEC's Chief Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo released its 2019 World Oil Outlook, in which the OPEC states that the oil market may have upside potential in 2020.

November 17, 2019

OECD Economic Survey: Reform Proposals for Austria

A recent economic report by the OECD (Economic Surveys: Austria 2019) examines the impact of weak foreign demand, uncertainties in world trade and an ageing population on the prospects for the Austrian economy.

November 15, 2019

Ukraine: Schallenberg Meets New Ukrainian Foreign Minister Prystaiko

During his visit to the Ukrainian capital Kiev, Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met the new Ukrainian counterpart Vadym Prystaiko, and highlighted the good bilateral relations between the two countries.

November 14, 2019 · Updated: November 14, 2019; 16:09

Argentine Ambassador to Austria Rafael Grossi Appointed New IAEA Director General

Ambassador Rafael Mariano Grossi is set to take office as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency in early December, following his appointment to the post by the Agency’s Board of Governors.

November 1, 2019

What You Always Wanted To Know About Viennese Diplomatic Number Plates

How to find out for which country or international institution a vehicle with an Austrian diplomatic license plate is registered, starting with the initials WD (Wien Diplomat) and a certain number. For example, "WD-1" is the Diplomatic Code for Vatican City.

October 23, 2019

Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo to Present the OPEC World Oil Outlook 2019

The OPEC World Oil Outlook provides insights into the upstream and downstream, supply and demand, investments, the potential impact of policies and sustainable development. It will be launched at the Vienna Stock Exchange by OPEC’s Secretary General, HE Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo.

October 22, 2019

Counter-Terrorism in the Focus of UN and Interparliamentary Cooperation

Reinhold Lopatka elected Chairman of the High-Level Advisory Group on Combating Terrorism and Violent Extremism.

October 21, 2019

Vienna's UNODC and China Sign Agreement on Combating Corruption

The United Nations and China, represented by the Chairmen of the National Supervisory Commission of the Peoples Republic of China, Yang Xiaodu - currently visiting Vienna - signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in combating corruption.

October 17, 2019

Vienna Migration Agency Develops Recommendations for EU

Entitled "Breaking the gridlock and moving forward: Recommendations for the next five years of EU migration policy", participants of the Vienna Migration Conference 2019 will explore migration policy options and the formulation of future strategies.

October 11, 2019

Protecting Civilians in Urban Warfare: Will You Help?

During the two-day Vienna Conference, representatives of more than 100 states, international organisations and civil society as well as stakeholders discussed concrete measures to protect the civilian population and the elaboration of a possible political declaration within the framework of the United Nations.

October 3, 2019

Schallenberg: Human Rights are Simply Non Negotiable

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg addressed the UN General Assembly, stressing the need for enhanced international cooperation.

September 27, 2019