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

IAEA Censures Iran for Insufficient Cooperation

Due to recent developments, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reprimanded Iran's behavior toward the UN nuclear watchdog. Previously, the latter had neglected to declare three undeclared sites with detected uranium traces. Now it is accused of lack of cooperation.

June 9, 2022

Human Rights Violations in the Ukraine Conflict: "Western Values Under Pressure"

The Covid-19 crisis and the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine have recently led to a worrying increase in human rights violations. The human rights situation in Ukraine, as well as in the rest of the world, was recently the focus of the Human Rights Committee in the Austrian Parliament. Read on to learn more.

June 9, 2022

Austria to Support Prosecution of Alleged War Crimes in Ukraine

All parliamentary groups in the Human Rights Committee adopted a resolution calling for an investigation and prosecution of alleged war crimes committed by Russia during its aggression against Ukraine.

June 8, 2022

What is the Austrian Ombudsman Board?

The Austrian Ombudsman Board began its work 45 years ago. Since then, according to the Austrian constitution, anyone who suspects maladministration can turn to the Austrian Ombudsman Board. The Austrian Ombudsman Board in Vienna also houses the General Secretariat of the International Ombudsman Institute. Learn more about the Austrian Ombudsman Board.

June 8, 2022

Austria Confirms Poland's Role in Aid to Ukraine

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg visited the Polish capital Warsaw for a working visit. There, Foreign Minister Schallenberg explained that Poland is the hub for Ukraine's assistance.

June 7, 2022

Austrian Foreign Minister at GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum: "Ukraine is Part of the European Family"

The GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum, which takes place this year from 2-4 June, was this year dominated by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg also participated and underlined Austria's positioning - closely at Ukraine's side.

June 3, 2022

School Trips to Brussels: Awakening Interest in the Work of the European Union

In the future, the Austrian federal government wants to promote trips to Brussels in order to arouse interest in the European Union among schoolchildren. The trips, which will be subsidized with up to 500 euros. These trips are intended to give students easier access to the 'heart' of the European Union and show them the importance of the organization.

June 2, 2022

Vienna Hosts the First Meeting of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

From June 21-23, the first meeting of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) will be held at the Austria Center Vienna. At the first meeting of the States Parties, the States Parties will review the implementation of the Treaty and measure progress toward its goals.

June 1, 2022

OPEC Considers Possible Exclusion of Russia From Oil Production Agreement

OPEC countries are apparently considering the exclusion of non-OPEC member Russia from the concluded oil production agreement. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, which cites statements from insider circles, other OPEC countries could step in to meet production targets following Russia's exclusion.

June 1, 2022

Dignitaries From Vienna in Davos: Recap of the World Economic Forum 2022

The World Economic Forum (WEF) took place and some dignitaries from Vienna attended the meeting in Davos. Read more about the World Economic Forum in Davos in the Recap.

May 31, 2022

The Austrian Development Bank's Efforts in Climate Protection and Energy Supply

The Austrian Development Bank recently published its latest Impact Report, disclosing the development effects achieved through its investments. The published report shows that the projects supported by OeEB saved more than 1.19 million tons of CO2 emissions and gave more than 297,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises access to one or more loans.

May 31, 2022

UN Symposium in Austria: How Space Technologies Can Mitigate Climate Change

The UN/Austria Symposium 2022 "Space for climate action: experiences and best practices in mitigating and adapting to climate change and supporting sustainability on Earth" will be held online September 13-15. The focus of the symposium will be on recent initiatives, experiences and best practices in mitigating and adapting to climate change and supporting sustainability on Earth, and in addition to raising awareness of the use of space technologies by Member States, will also highlight how the space sector is adapting to reduce its own impact on the climate crisis.

May 31, 2022

OPEC Holds Special Workshop on Climate Change: "Challenges and Opportunities for Energy-Exporting Developing Countries.”

The Vienna-based Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) recently hosted the fifth Climate Change Technical Workshop under the theme "The first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement: challenges and opportunities for energy-exporting developing countries." OPEC hosted the event ahead of the 21st OPEC Climate Change Coordination Meeting, which will be held on May 31, 2022.

May 30, 2022

OSCE Condemns Intimidation and Detention of OSCE Staff in Donetsk and Luhansk

The OSCE recently condemned the ongoing allegations against the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), who are currently in Russian custody. The OSCE called for the immediate release of the four national mission members detained in Donetsk and Luhansk.

May 27, 2022

Planning Conference for EU Battlegroup 2025 in Vienna: Strengthening the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy

This week, representatives of ten EU states met at the planning conference for the EU Battlegroup 2025 in Vienna. The aim was to coordinate jointly in the future and to participate with military forces in the new intervention force. Participants included Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary and Croatia. The aim of the conference is to coordinate international cooperation and plan joint exercises.

May 27, 2022

Council of Europe Meeting: Austria Sees Europe as Shield of Human Rights

At the annual meeting of foreign ministers at the Council of Europe, the focus was on the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops. Alexander Schallenberg, Austria's foreign minister pleaded for common values and principles, calling the Council of Europe "a strong shield for the defense of the universality of human rights."

May 23, 2022

Congresses in Vienna - What You Should Not Miss

After a long dry spell, Vienna's tourism industry is looking forward with hope to the large number of congresses planned for this summer. Vienna, which is internationally known to be an optimal place for congresses, is the venue for more than 40 major events with over 1,000 guests this year and hopes to be able to attract as many events in the future. Here you will find a brief overview of the most important events in the city!

May 23, 2022

UN Calls for Swift Action Against the International Food Crisis

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres once again warned of an impending increase in global famine at the recent meeting on global hunger taking pace at UN Headquarters. He highlighted the importance of the wheat supply shortfall from Ukraine and outlined a five-point plan to avert the coming crisis.

May 20, 2022

EU Supports Ukraine With Substantial Financial Aid

The second tranche of the EU macro-financial assistance to Ukraine has just been disbursed. The total of €600 million is intended to help cover the acute financing gaps in Ukraine, which is suffering severely from the consequences of the Russian war of aggression. The assistance is intended to improve Ukraine's macroeconomic stability and help keep state agencies functioning during this critical period.

May 20, 2022

Austrian Exit From Russian Gas Possible: "Major Effort Necessary"

The exit from oil and gas supplies from Russia, which has been much called for at both national and international level, has been occupying the EU and also the Austrian government for weeks. Now the Austrian Energy Minister has presented a plan on how this planned phase-out can be achieved by 2027 and what concrete measures need to be taken to achieve it.

May 19, 2022

"Presidency at a Decisive Stage": Czech Republic Receives Austrian Federal Chancellor

Discussions on the Ukraine crisis, the EU's enlargement of the Western Balkans or the benefits of nuclear power in the energy transition led Austria's Federal Chancellor to the Czech Republic, where he met Petr Fiala, the Czech Prime Minister. The Czech Republic is one of Austria's closest trading partners in Central and Eastern Europe. Read on to find out how the Chancellor's visit went.

May 19, 2022

Ukraine Seeks Austrian Support for EU Membership

A Ukrainian delegation is currently in Austria to seek supporters for their country's EU accession. After Ukraine officially submitted its ambitions to the European Union, a recommendation from the European Commission is now eagerly awaited to determine whether Ukraine should be granted candidate status. Read on to find out more.

May 18, 2022

Fight Against Anti-Semitism: Vienna Invites to the European Conference on Anti-Semitism

In order to counter the rising number of anti-Semitic incidents around the world in recent months, the European Conference on Anti-Semitism is taking place in Austria with the participation of international organisations and 15 European member states. The aim is to promote networking and to send a clear signal for the fight against anti-Semitism and for a prosperous Jewish life in Europe.

May 18, 2022

UN Chinese Language Day Celebrated in Vienna

A virtual event took place in Vienna to mark the United Nations (UN) Chinese Language Day and promote the Chinese language and culture.

May 18, 2022

Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting: OSCE Emphasizes Importance of Key Principles of Democracy

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe is organizing the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting, emphasizing the importance of democratic principles, human rights and independent media work and how the Russian invasion of Ukraine is threatening these principles in Europe.

May 17, 2022

Russia and Allies Held Summit in Moscow

The Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) held a meeting in Moscow to strengthen Russia's alliance with military partners like Belarus, Kazahkstan, Armenia, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan and to condemn the West. The CSTO and its Collective Security Council meeting were held in honor of the 30th anniversary of the treaty and the 20th anniversary of the organization.

May 17, 2022

How the People’s Republic of China Leverages Its Membership in Multilateral Organizations to Advance Its Geopolitical Interests

Without question, China has become a global superpower and is successfully expanding its influence around the world. While there are many factors that have contributed to this success, China’s utilization of multilateral organizations to shape the international system to its liking cannot be discounted. Read how China has leveraged its membership in multilateral organizations to advance its own geopolitical interests.

May 17, 2022

Positive Dynamics in the Enlargement of the Western Balkans

The future Presidency of the Council of the Czech Republic recently led Austria's Minister for Europe Edtstadler to the Czech Minister for EU Affairs Mikuláš Bek to discuss this very topic with him. The two partners discussed the impact of the Ukraine conflict and what measures the Czech Republic would be confronted with in the near future.

May 17, 2022

Diplomats in Austria Stand Up for Equality: "Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights"

The COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic crisis have exacerbated the vulnerable situation of LGBTIQ+ people in terms of mental health, existing inequalities and prejudices. To counteract this, a group of diplomats, international organisations and the Austrian Foreign Ministry now acknowledged the problems of the LGBTIQ+ scene and demanded that the grievances be addressed.

May 17, 2022

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels

The Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union met in Brussels. The Russian war of aggression on Ukraine and the planned sixth sanctions package against Russia in response to it were central topics.

May 16, 2022

Together With Sweden and Finland: How likely is Austria to Join NATO?

Finland and Sweden have decided to make an official application to join NATO. Stimulated by the ambitions of Finland and Sweden, the question arises: Will Austria also consider this step soon? Probably not if you ask Austrian politicians and people. A brief analysis.

May 16, 2022

IAEA on the Status of Ukraine's Nuclear Security

The Russian aggression on Ukraine threatens Ukraine's nuclear security. The IAEA reports new news regarding Ukraine's nuclear safety. The data link to Chernobyl is fully operational again, but the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control, allows only limited access for IAEA personnel.

May 15, 2022

New Hope in Iran Nuclear Talks

New hopes have risen in the Vienna Nuclear Talks. The European Union reports the success of negotiator Enrique Mora, who traveled to Tehran this week.

May 15, 2022

31st Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Will Be Held in Vienna

Next week, the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) will meet in Vienna between 16 and 18 May. If you want to know what the main tasks of the CCPCJ are and what topics will be discussed this year at the 31st session, read on.

May 13, 2022

Meeting of UN Officials in Vienna: What Is the Chief Executives Board of Coordination

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the senior management of UN agencies are currently meeting in Vienna. The main reason for the meeting is the Chief Executives Board of Coordination, the highest coordination body of the United Nations. Read more about this important event.

May 12, 2022

Austrian Finance Minister Elected Chairman of the Board of Governors of EBRD

With Magnus Brunner, the EBRD is getting an Austrian as the new Chairman of the Board of Governors. Austria's Finance Minister succeeds the Portuguese Finance Minister and will hold the office for one year. Brunner takes over this position at an enormously important time, as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is playing a central role in the reconstruction of Ukraine with its financial resources.

May 12, 2022

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Meets Secretary-General Guterres and other Top Officials of the United Nations

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, is currently visiting Vienna for the Chief Executives Board of Coordination of the United Nations. Along with meeting Austrian Chancellor Nehammer, Guterres also met Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

May 12, 2022

Meeting Between Antonio Guterres and Karl Nehammer Dominated by the Ukraine Crisis

UN Secretary General António Guterres met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer today to discuss current issues such as the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic. Both partners were convinced of the importance of continuing to negotiate with the Russian aggressor and discussed Austria's role in mediating peace.

May 11, 2022

Pro-Russian Authorities in Kherson Want to Ask Russia For Annexation

Russia accomplished in its war efforts in Ukraine to occupy Kherson. The pro-Russian authorities, installed by the Kremlin, in occupied Kherson plan to ask for the southern Ukrainian region's incorporation into Russia.

May 11, 2022

UN Secretary General António Guterres Met Austria's President Alexander Van Der Bellen in Vienna

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres is currently visiting Vienna and met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. The main topic of conversation was the conflict in Ukraine and its international ramifications.

May 11, 2022

Czech Republic Replaces Russia In UN Human Rights Council

Following Russia's departure from the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Czech Republic has been elected to the body by the UN General Assembly.

May 10, 2022

Forgotten Crisis: Austria Supports Syria at International Donor Conference

This week, the 6th donor conference to support Syria and the region is taking place in Brussels. This conference is the most important donor event for the country, which has suffered enormously in recent years, mainly due to war and natural disasters, and is still dependent on humanitarian aid from other countries. Austria is also represented and will contribute to the relief efforts.

May 10, 2022

Europe Day 2022: A Day in the Spirit of a United Continent

Today, 9 May, Europe Day is celebrated all over Europe. Many events are held to celebrate peace and cohesion in Europe. Alexander Van der Bellen also gave a speech in the House of the European Union and underlined the importance of European unity and condemned the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which is particularly dependent on the help of its European allies in such difficult times.

May 9, 2022

UN Secretary-General António Guterres about to visit Austria

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will visit Austria this week. In addition to a stay at the Vienna University of Technology and the Vienna International Center, he will also meet with Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen to discuss the Ukraine war and its international consequences.

May 9, 2022

Iran Nuclear Talks: EU Tries To Revive the Negotiations

European officials are trying to save the Iran nuclear deal. To find a solution to the months-long standoff between Tehran and Washington, EU coordinator Enrique Mora is scheduled to visit Tehran. Read about the newest developments in Iran and the JCPOA.

May 8, 2022

OSCE and U.S. Mission to the OSCE Condemn Anti-Semitic Remarks by Russian Foreign Minister

The OSCE and the U.S. Mission to the OSCE recently condemned the statements of Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, who claimed that Adolf Hitler was of Jewish origin, sparking an outcry in the Jewish faith community. The two statements describe the falsity of the statement and convey a lack of understanding of such obviously provocative statements.

May 6, 2022

Will Russia Hold Referendums in Eastern Ukraine or Step Up Its War Effort

The war in Ukraine is raging and the Ukrainians are defending themselves against the more powerful Russian forces, which, however, have faltered. The question that arises is what strategy Russia will now adopt. There are signs of referendums in eastern Ukraine and of stepping up the Russian war effort.

May 5, 2022

Fight Against Trafficking in Women: Intervention Center Established

To combat sexual exploitation of children and women from Ukraine, the Federal Criminal Police Office recently set up a hotline where those affected can report. In recent weeks, the number of people seeking protection, mostly women and children, had increased enormously, providing easy game for human traffickers and increasing the risk of human trafficking, smuggling, sexual exploitation and coercion into prostitution.

May 5, 2022

Number of Hungry People Further Increased in 2021

The number of people going hungry worldwide continued to rise in 2021. Several factors contributed to the increase, including conflicts, economic crises, and weather extremes, according to a report released today by the Network Against Food Crises.

May 4, 2022

Austria Provides Record 46 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine

In order to provide relief for the suffering of the Ukrainian population, the Austrian federal government is providing a further 46 million euros. The sum is to benefit humanitarian causes in Ukraine and the affected region and is the highest disbursement ever.

May 4, 2022