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Latest Headlines about International Organizations and UN Bodies
Read the latest headlines about developments at international organizations and the United Nations family in Vienna and Austria
Journalists' Associations Against Exclusion of Media at OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
In response to plans by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that media representatives would not be permitted to attend the winter session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) at the Hofburg in Vienna, the Association of European Journalists (AEJ) and the Association of Foreign Press in Vienna objected.
February 20, 2023
Ukraine Wants to Boycott OSCE-Meeting Because of Russian Delegation
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is not going through its best times. Especially Austria’s role in it. After many countries sent an open letter to Austria to disinvite the Russian delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly, countries are now boycotting the meeting.
February 16, 2023
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani Visits Moldova
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office and Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani visited Moldova. The country needs the support of the OSCE as it could be next on Russia’s list after Ukraine.
February 14, 2023
Austria Obligated to Grant Visas Says OSCE
The Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) has decided in a parliament assembly that Austria must grant visas to all visiting member states, including Russia. The visas for the Russian Delegation have caused quite some controversy in the last week however, the visa issues seem to be settled.
February 8, 2023
Chancellor Nehammer Threatens to Block Summit Declaration Because of Migration Issues
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has threatens to block a summit declaration of all EU heads of state. The reason for this is that the Chancellor is opinionated that the EU does not put enough work into the issue of migration.
February 8, 2023
Schallenberg Defends his Stance Regarding the Russians
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has defended his position to allow the Russian delegation to enter the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly by trying to keep a communication channel open.
February 6, 2023
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Argentina to the International Organizations in Vienna
Holger Federico Martinsen, Argentina's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Holger Federico Martinsen, the new permanent representative of Argentina to the International Organizations in Vienna.
February 6, 2023
Open Letter to Austria to Disinvite Russian Delegation
Over 80 representatives from 20 different countries have asked Austria in an open letter to disinvite members of the Russian delegation from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly concerning the anniversary of the Russo-Ukrainian war.
February 2, 2023
Austria Expels Four Russian Diplomats
Austria expels four Russian diplomats. This was announced by the Foreign Ministry, according to a statement. The four diplomats are accused of "incompatible actions" with their diplomatic status. This expulsion, however, goes beyond espionage and incompatible acts, according to experts.
February 2, 2023
Austria Stuck in a Dilemma at the OSCE
Austria may cause some controversy at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna by letting sanctioned Russian politicians enter the country and granting them visas. Moreover, of all days, the Parliamentary Assembly will be held on February 23 and 24.
February 1, 2023
Premiere for the TechDiplomacy Talk at the Austrian Foreign Ministry
On the occasion of the Vienna visit of the United Nations Envoy for Technology, Under-Secretary-General Amandeep Singh Gill, a TechDiplomacy Talk was held at the Austrian Foreign Ministry. Read more about the premiere of the new format!
February 1, 2023
OSCE Condemns Russia’s Decision to Outlaw Independent News Outlet Meduza
Moscow continues its campaign against opposition Russian media with unabated vigor. The Riga-based web portal "Meduza" is banned completely in Russia. The OSCE denounced the Russian authorities’ decision to outlaw one of the most popular Russian-language news portals.
January 31, 2023
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Bujar Osmani Will Visit Brussels
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairperson-in-Office and Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani will visit Brussels to meet with EU and NATO Officials.
January 30, 2023
IAEA Pushes for a Safe Zone in Zaporizhzhia
Due to recent attacks in Zaporizhzhia, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) once again called to establish a security zone at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
January 29, 2023
International Vaccine Institute Opens an Austrian Office
International Vaccine Institute (IVI), an international health organization dedicated to developing, delivering, and evaluating vaccines for global health, announced the opening of its Austrian Country Office.
January 26, 2023
Moscow Bans Oldest Russian Human Rights NGO Related to OSCE
A court in the Russian capital has ordered the closure of the Moscow Helsinki Group, a human rights organization founded in Soviet times. The Russian Justice Ministry's request for liquidation was granted, Judge Mikhail Kazakov ruled in the Moscow City Court. The OSCE strongly condemns this, especially since the Helsinki Group is linked with the establishment of the OSCE itself.
January 26, 2023
United States Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh Visits Austria
Marty Walsh, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, visited Austria and learned about best practices in apprenticeship training from several government and industry representatives. This was a further expansion of bilateral relations based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2022 to strengthen cooperation between the U.S. and Austria in apprenticeship training.
January 25, 2023
Foreign Minister Schallenberg Has Met with OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmidt
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has met with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Secretary General Helga Maria Schmidt, where they highlighted the importance of the OSCE as a dialogue platform.
January 25, 2023
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the New FSC Chairmanship of the OSCE
Bosnia and Herzegovina was recently appointed to hold the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) Chairmanship for the first term of 2023. Each meeting's agenda is set by the Chairmanship, which emphasizes issues concerning the implementation of commitments adopted by the Forum. Bosnia and Herzegovina shows empathy with Ukraine, due to the country's own history of violent conflicts.
January 24, 2023
OSCE Vehicles Were Seen in the Donbass Region
Several Vehicles of the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) were reported to be seen in Luhansk near the Russian border. The OSCE came with an explanation afterward.
January 24, 2023
Schallenberg Attended the Foreign Council Affairs Meeting in Brussels
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg attended the Foreign Council Affair meeting in Brussels, where he talked about several topics regarding European Security and other subjects.
January 24, 2023
IAEA Chief Grossi and Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Visit Brussels
Austria recorded a small but significant diplomatic success at Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg's visit to the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. Already in the run-up to the meeting, the EU foreign ministers met Rafael Grossi, Director General of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on the initiative of Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
January 23, 2023
OPEC Fund Mobilizes $1 Billion for Development Financing
OPEC Fund for International Development mobilizes $1 billion for development finance with "groundbreaking" first SDG bond. The bond was priced based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) bonds, for which Credit Agricole CIB served as the sole sustainability advisor.
January 22, 2023
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Welcomed OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani in Kyiv
The Organisation for Cooperation and Security (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office and Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. Osmani ensured support for Ukraine during Russia’s “unjustified and unprovoked war”.
January 17, 2023 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Bujar Osmani Presented North Macedonia’s Plan at the Permanent Council
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office and Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani presented the country’s priorities and plans for the year 20223 at the permanent council. The top priority he addressed was Russia’s aggression on Ukraine.
January 12, 2023 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00
Exchange of Topics Between Foreign Minister Schallenberg and his Counterpart of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with his Macedonian counterpart Bujar Osmani, where they discussed several topics including topics regarding the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). From January 1, North Macedonia has taken over as the chair of the organization for this year.
January 11, 2023 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00
North Macedonia Takes Over OSCE Chair for 2023
From January 1, 2023, North Macedonia takes over the OSCE Chair. In addition to the focus on the crisis regions and above all the military aggression against Ukraine, the country's priorities as chairman will be the re-affirmation of the benefits of the OSCE and the restoration of dialogue and trust.
January 2, 2023 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00
Foreign Minister Schallenberg Met With His Macedonian Counterpart Bujar Osmani
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg had a meeting with his counterpart of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani. Since North Macedonia will hold the OSCE Chairmanship in 2023, they discussed a lot of OSCE-related topics.
December 14, 2022 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00
IAEA Observers Will Remain Permanently in Chernobyl
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will establish a permanent observing mission in Tschernobyl. This is to prevent accidents from happening at nuclear reactors.
January 18, 2023
Armenian Foreign Minister Visits Vienna Because of Nagorno-Karabakh's Worsening Humanitarian Situation
Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan is currently on a working visit to Vienna to participate in the Special Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council initiated by Armenia, due to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. In addition, Mirzoyan met with Ghada Fathi Waly, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.
January 17, 2023
First Meeting Between Austrian and French Foreign Ministers in Paris
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to Paris for various working talks and meeting to strengthen Franco-Austrian relations. There was also the first bilateral meeting between Austria's Schallenberg and France's Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.
January 17, 2023
Swiss President Alain Berset Visited Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen welcomed the newly inaugurated Swiss President Alain Berset. It is a tradition that newly inaugurated Swiss Presidents make their first state visits abroad in Austria. Berset also met with Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, and many more Austrian politicians.
January 16, 2023
Foreign Minister Schallenberg Calls for Non-Exaggeration Regarding Russia
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has said that we should not punish 144 million Russians regarding their visas for entering the EU. He said that we should unequivocally support Ukraine, but also keep the diplomatic path open with Russia.
January 16, 2023
Branch Office of International Vaccine Institute Will Open in Vienna
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) will have its own branch office in Vienna. This opening intends to strengthen the production of vaccines and make the development more efficient. The importance of fast development and production of vaccines was displayed more than ever through the Coronavirus pandemic.
January 10, 2023
OSCE Secretary General Does Not See Russia’s Expulsion as a Solution
The Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) was originally founded to promote dialogue between Eastern and Western Europe. In a recent interview, Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid explains why the exclusion of Russia despite the war is unthinkable.
January 9, 2023
OSCE Opens a Women’s Education and Support Center in Uzbekistan
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) project coordinator in Uzbekistan opens a women’s education center in the Tashkent region. This center will be responsible for promoting gender equality throughout the region.
December 30, 2022
Space Diplomacy: UNOOSA and United Kingdom Strengthen Cooperation on Space Sustainability
As part of a new project to strengthen space sustainability, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Government of the United Kingdom are strengthening their partnership. A broad range of activities will be undertaken to raise awareness and build capacity related to the implementation of the Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities.
December 28, 2022
Austria Gives 3 Million Euros as Humanitarian Aid to Lebanon
The Austrian government will increase its humanitarian and financial aid to Lebanon since the country in the Middle East is going through a severe economic crisis and at the same time is harboring a high number of refugees. The aid will go through UNHCR, CERF and the NGO Geneva Call.
December 27, 2022
Meet the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations in Vienna
Vilawan Mangklatanakul, Thailand's new permanent representative, presented her credentials to the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Dennis Thatchaichawalit. Meet Ambassador, Vilawan Mangklatanakul, the new permanent representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to the International Organizations in Vienna.
December 23, 2022
Russian Permanent Representative to UN in Vienna Says Soon Agreement with IAEA on Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant
At Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control, there have again been several powerful explosions, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. An agreement on a protection zone is being fiercely discussed but has yet to be reached. The Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation and Moscow expect significant progress in this direction.
December 22, 2022
IAEA Arrives in Iran Capital for New Nuclear Negotiations
A delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has arrived in Tehran. On the agenda of the IAEA team are new negotiations with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) as well as representatives of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic efforts over Iran's nuclear program appear to be dragging on and on.
December 18, 2022
OPEC Plus Marks Sixth Anniversary
The Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) between OPEC member countries and 10 non-OPEC oil-producing countries turned six years old. As the oil cartel engaged in diplomatic celebrations, OPEC reaffirmed its expectations for global oil demand in 2023.
December 14, 2022
Minister Schallenberg at the European Foreign Affairs Council
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to Brussels for the European Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) to meet with his counterparts from the other EU-member states. The main focus of the agenda was Iran.
December 14, 2022
AACC has organized a Business & Innovation Panel held at Palais Eschenbach
The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) organized a high-level Business & Innovation panel which was held in the United Arab Emirates. Speeches were made, highlighting the good business relations between UAE and Austria.
December 9, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Honduras to the United Nations in Vienna
Elena María Freije Murillo, Honduras's new permanent representative, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Elena María Freije Murillo, the new permanent representative of Honduras to the International Organizations in Vienna.
December 6, 2022
UNWG Charity Bazaar Took Place in Vienna
After a mandatory two-year Covid break, The UNWG Charity Bazar took place in Vienna at the Karl-Farkas-Gasse 9, and in Vienna's Marx Hall to support mothers and children in need worldwide.
December 6, 2022
UN Internet Governance Forum in Ethiopia: Austria's Constitutional Affairs Minister Karoline Edtstadler Appointed to Governing Body
To increase the content and importance of the Internet Governance Forum, a ten-member Leadership Panel chaired by U.S. information scientist Vinton Gray Cerf was established. Austria's Constitution Minister Karoline Edtstadler was appointed to this leadership panel by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
December 4, 2022
OPEC Plus Sticks to Production Strategy
The OPEC+ oil alliance is sticking to its current production strategy for the time being. EU sanctions against Russia's oil revenues will apply from tomorrow. The OPEC+ countries have nevertheless confirmed their previous oil production targets. However, an expert committee wants to review the production strategy every two months.
December 4, 2022
Russian Foreign Minister Gets Excluded from OSCE Security Meeting
The annual Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Security Council took place between the 1st and 2nd of December in Lodz, Poland, where the Foreign Ministers of the OSCE Countries met. However, the meeting was overshadowed by the back-and-forth situation between the Ministers of some OSCE countries – mainly Poland - and the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
December 2, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the International Organizations in Vienna
Alibek Bakayev, Kazakhstan's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Alibek Bakayev, the new permanent representative of Kazakhstan to the International Organizations in Vienna.
December 1, 2022