Latest Headlines about International Organizations and UN Bodies

OPEC Fund Approves New Financing to Fulfill its Climate Action Plan

The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) approved more than $300 million in new funding in the first quarter of 2023, reflecting the institution's commitment to fulfilling its Climate Action Plan. Three of the four projects approved by the OPEC Fund's Governing Board directly support climate finance.

March 15, 2023

IAEA Informs Tons of Uranium Disappeared in Libya

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), tons of uranium have disappeared in Libya. The natural uranium is no longer in the facility where it was stored, according to an IAEA letter to the organization's member states.

March 15, 2023

Minister Schallenberg Welcomed Bolivias Vice President David Choquehuanca

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has met with Bolivian Vice President David Choquehuanca. Together they talked about the good relations between the two countries and the consequences of the Russian aggression on Ukraine.

March 14, 2023

Foreign Minister Schallenberg and His Italian Counterpart Traveled to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani traveled to Bosnia and Herzegovina where they talked to several representatives of the country about the EU support for the country's reform and its general path towards the EU.

March 13, 2023

Austrian Justice Minister Zadic Wants to Strengthen the International Criminal Court

EU justice ministers have met again in Brussels to discuss the legal consequences of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. Austria's Justice Minister Alma Zadic wants to strengthen the International Court of Justice in the fight against war crimes in the Ukraine war.

March 12, 2023

Secretary-General Tieffenthal Participated in the European Ministers Council

A Council Meeting between all Development Ministers of the European Nations took place in Stockholm. Secretary-General Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal represented Austria in the meeting, where they discussed global healthcare and the rebuilding of Ukraine.

March 9, 2023

Challenges of the OSCE in Montenegro's Presidential Election

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) opened an election observation mission for the March 19 presidential elections in Montenegro. The OSCE mission taking place in the former Yugoslav republic of Montenegro faces a country that had problems with the legality of elections and the circumstances in which they are conducted, now in the shadow of the Ukraine war and after a turbulent past few months of political conflict between the ruling parties in the country.

March 9, 2023

Space Diplomacy: Petition to UN COPUOS by ESO and Astronomy Groups

In a paper submitted to the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), an international collaboration involving the European Southern Observatory (ESO) proposes a new Expert Group to protect dark and quiet skies.

March 8, 2023

Foreign Minister Schallenberg Wants to Promote More Women in Foreign Politics

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg amidst International Woman’s Day said that he wants the equality of women and the protection of their rights to be a living priority in international politics.

March 7, 2023

Edtstadler Wants to Help Implement Project for a Safer Internet with the IGF

Austrian Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler and State Secretary Florian Tursky Discussed in a panel in Vienna the promotion of the “Global Digital Impact” by the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

March 7, 2023

A Historic Agreement Was Reached After Years of Talks to Protect the World's Oceans

After more than a decade of talks, the UN member states have agreed on a treaty to protect the oceans beyond state jurisdiction better. Climate organizations praised the treaty.

March 5, 2023

SOS Children’s Villages under Pressure for the Abduction of Ukrainian Children

Already last week, the internationally active aid organization SOS Children's Villages, founded in Austria, was confronted with accusations of being involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children to Russia.

March 2, 2023

IAEA Confirms Traces of Highly Enriched Uranium in Iran

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found particles of very highly enriched uranium in Iran. As the Director-General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, officially confirmed for the first time, the uranium had a purity level of 83.7 percent. The value is not far from 90 percent, which would be necessary for nuclear weapons.

March 2, 2023

Austria Should Do More to Fight and Prevent Corruption

An evaluation report published by the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has found that the Austrian state is doing too little to fight corruption in some areas and needs to improve its strategy on it.

March 1, 2023

Zaporizhzhya Power Plant Under Attack Says IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported attacks at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. Several Detonations were heard near the power plant, which is worrying the Agency.

March 1, 2023

Diplomats in Vienna Express Solidarity with Ukraine

The various and numerous embassies as well as foreign missions in Vienna expressed their solidarity with war-torn Ukraine on the anniversary of the Russian invasion. Especially the embassies that condemn Russia for the war, demand that Russia finally withdraws its troops from Ukraine.

February 27, 2023

Schallenberg Condemns Russia and Shows Support for Ukraine in OSCE Speech

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg held a speech at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) sharply condemning Russia and reassuring the ongoing support for Ukraine.

February 26, 2023

More than 40 Incidents at Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plants since the Beginning of the War

Since the war in Ukraine began a year ago, the country's nuclear power plants have been affected by more than 40 incidents. Nuclear security in Ukraine is still at a worrying risk. This is according to a report published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.

February 24, 2023

Secretary General of the Austrian Foreign Ministry Shows Solidarity With Ukraine at UN General Assembly

Secretary General of the Austrian Foreign Ministry Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal held a speech at the UN General Assembly in New York promoting peace and condemning the violation of human rights.

February 23, 2023

Young Austrians Invited to Attend Paris Internet Conference as WSA Experts by UNESCO

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is holding a consultation on Internet content on February 22-23. Young social media activists from Austria are invited as World Summit Award (WSA) experts.

February 21, 2023

Essl Foundation and UN in Vienna Mark 10 Years of Partnership

In 2013, the UN Office at Vienna (UNOV), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Essl Foundation formed a partnership to achieve the UN's commitment to building a better world for people with disabilities. A partnership of 10 years between the United Nations in Vienna and the Essl Foundation has resulted in significant achievements for disability inclusion.

February 21, 2023

Minister Edtstadler Defends Visa Exemptions for Russians

Austrian Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler has defended Austria’s decision to grant visas to the Russian Delegation amidst the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly.

February 21, 2023

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