CTBTO PrepCom - Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization - Vindobona.org

Ukraine Nuclear Power Plants Still Under Control of Russian Forces But Safety Systems Fully Functional IAEA Says

Ukraine's Nuclear Power Plants Zaporizhzhya and Chernobyl are still under Russian control, but regulator said, that the Ukrainian staff continued to operate the plants. In the case of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, staff have not been able to rotate for more than three weeks.

March 18, 2022

Nuclear Safety and Security in Ukraine: Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Largely Out of Danger Again

According to the Vienna-based Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Chernobyl nuclear power plant has been reconnected to Ukraine's national power grid and no longer relies on emergency diesel generators. However, the nuclear plant and its employees have been in Russian control since it was captured by Russian units and continue to be cut off from the outside world.

March 16, 2022

Meet the New Resident Representative of Indonesia to the International Organizations in Vienna, HE Dr. Damos Dumoli Agusman

The new Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the International Organizations in Vienna is Mr. Damos Dumoli Agusman. Learn more about Ambassador Agusman.

February 23, 2022

Meet the New Resident Representative of Romania to the International Organizations in Vienna, HE Mr. Stelian Stoian

The new Permanent Representative of Romania to the International Organizations in Vienna, Mr. Stelian Stoian, recently presented his credentials to the heads of the various organizations. Learn more about Mr. Stoian.

February 23, 2022

Risk of Disastrous Nuclear Conflict Higher Than Ever Before

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists kept the "doomsday clock" set at "100 seconds to midnight" yet again this year, arguing that current geopolitical tensions have put the risk of nuclear conflict higher than ever before. Read what has the scientists so worried and what Foreign Minister Schallenberg said about the threat.

January 25, 2022

Meet Mordechai Rodgold, Israel's Ambassador to Vienna

H.E. Mr. Mordechai Rodgold is the current Ambassador of Israel to Austria. Learn more about Ambassador Rodgold and his impressive career.

January 19, 2022

Who Is Kazem Gharib Abadi, Iran's Former Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna?

After serving for over three years as Iran's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna, Kazem Gharib Abadi is now the Vice-President of Iran’s Judiciary for International Affairs and Secretary-General of Iran's High Council for Human Rights. Read more about Mr. Gharib Abadi's career path.

December 13, 2021

What IAEA Meeting Attendees at the Vienna International Center Should Be Aware Of

The latest information regarding COVID-19 measures, as recommended by VIC Medical Services for all persons entering the VIC, is provided on this page.

December 3, 2021 · Updated: December 6, 2021; 07:33

New Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ecuador Presents Credentials

The new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the International Organizations in Vienna, Mireya del Carmen Muñoz Mera, presented her credentials to the heads of the UNOV, IAEA, UNIDO, and the CTBTO. Learn more about the new permanent representative.

November 24, 2021

Vienna International Centre-based Organizations Reduce their Presence

After only a few months in which employees at the Vienna International Centre were able to slowly return to their jobs, the end of the gradual return to "normal operations" has now been heralded and the VIC is at the beginning of the fourth lockdown. What needs to be done to ensure the health and well-being of all VIC employees?

November 22, 2021

VIC: Austria’s Foreign Minister Linhart Met with Li Yong and Ghada Waly

UNOV Director-General Ghada Waly and UNIDO Director-General Li Yong hosted Foreign Minister Linhart for a visit at the United Nations Office at Vienna ahead of UN Day. Read what was discussed and watch a video from Linhart's visit.

November 15, 2021

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Malaysia

The new Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the International Organizations in Vienna, Mr. Ikram bin Mohd Ibrahim, presented his credentials to the various heads of the international organizations in Vienna. Learn more about Mr. Mohd Ibrahim and his career before becoming the permanent representative.

September 24, 2021

New Permanent Representative of Lithuania Presents Credentials to International Organizations in Vienna

The new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the International Organizations in Vienna, H.E. Mr. Vaidotas Verba, presented his credentials to the heads of the United Nations Office Vienna (UNOV), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Learn more about Ambassador Verba.

September 20, 2021 · Updated: September 20, 2021; 17:01

Meet the New Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic

The new Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Austria, H.E. Mr. Tolendy Makeyev, presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. Ambassador Makeyev is also the Permanent Representative of Kyrgyzstan to the International Organizations in Vienna. Learn more about him.

September 17, 2021

Meet the New Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Austria

The new Ambassador of Sweden to Austria, H.E. Ms. Annika Markovic, presented her credentials to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Ambassador Markovic is also the Ambassador of Sweden to Slovakia and the Permanent Representative of Sweden to the International Organizations in Vienna. Learn more about her.

September 16, 2021

Ambassador of New Zealand Presents Credentials to International Organizations in Vienna

Mr. Brian Hewson, the Ambassador of New Zealand to Austria, presented his credentials to the international organizations in Vienna, making him the new Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the International Organizations in Vienna. Read about his background and what New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said about his appointment.

September 14, 2021

Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to Austria: H.E. Mr. Alejandro Solano Ortiz

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to Austria, H.E. Mr. Alejandro Solano Ortiz presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg. In September 2021 he was named the Chairperson of the Group of 77 (G-77) Vienna Chapter.

November 7, 2018 · Updated: September 13, 2021; 11:00

Vienna International Centre - Live-Ticker Coronavirus Situation: Several New Positive COVID-19 Cases, 380 Cases in Total

The Vienna International Centre (VIC, UNO City) and the Vienna International Centre Medical Service are reporting new positive COVID-19 cases. The total number of VIC personnel who have tested positive is 380. Below you can see the latest updates of 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 and provided by the Vienna International Centre Medical Service. Regular updates on the number of cases of are no longer issued

June 25, 2020 · Updated: August 9, 2021; 17:25

CTBTO Has a New Executive Secretary

Australian scientist Dr. Robert Floyd became the new Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) after signing an appointment letter at the CTBTO headquarters in Vienna. Learn more about him.

August 5, 2021

Meet the New Ambassador of Slovenia to Austria

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Austria, H.E. Mr. Aleksander Geržina, presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. He was already Ambassador to Austria from 2009 to 2013. Learn more about his background.

July 13, 2021

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Iceland to Austria and to the International Organizations in Vienna

The new Permanent Representative of Panama to the United Nations (Vienna), Ms. Kristín A. Árnadóttir, presented her credentials to some of the international organizations in Vienna.

May 21, 2021

CTBTO Leadership Election Heads Into Decisive Week

The Vienna-based UN institution of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) is heading for a hotly contested election for the leadership position of Executive Secretary this week.

May 16, 2021

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Panama to Austria and to the International Organizations in Vienna

The new Permanent Representative of Panama to the United Nations (Vienna), H.E. Mr. Dario Ernesto Chiru Ochoa, presented his credentials to some of the international organizations in Vienna.

May 10, 2021

Youth, Peace, and Security: Preventive Diplomacy Ambassadors Practice Conflict Prevention Strategy

Preventive Diplomacy Academy graduates from UNRCCA (UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia), Young Turkmen SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Ambassadors and CTBTO Youth Group representatives had a great opportunity to express their views and ideas.

April 29, 2021

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Argentina to Austria and to the International Organizations in Vienna

H.E. Mr. Gustavo Eduardo Ainchil, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to the Republic of Austria, the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Slovenia and to the International Organizations in Vienna, presented his credentials.

February 24, 2021

Meet the New Bangladeshi Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna

HE Muhammad Abdul Muhith, the new Ambassador of Bangladesh to Austria, Hungary, Slovenia and Slovakia, and the new Permanent Representative to the United Nations and to the International Organizations in Vienna recently presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly and to Lassina Zerbo, Executive Secretary of CTBTO PrepCom - Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization.

September 15, 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

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

Coronavirus: VIC schickt Mitarbeiter zur Heimarbeit

Das Vienna International Centre (VIC) verstärkt seine Sicherheitsmaßnahmen gegen das Coronavirus. Alle Angestellten der, im VIC ansässigen Organisationen, sollen von Montag, dem 16. März bis Freitag, dem 3. April von Zuhause aus arbeiten.

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

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

Portrait: New Permanent Representative of Andorra to the International Organizations in Vienna

The new Permanent Representative of Principality of Andorra to the United Nations (Vienna), who is also the new Ambassador to Austria, Jaume Serra Serra, presented his credentials to the Deputy Director-General for the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Dennis Thatchaichawalit.

February 21, 2020

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

Who Will Become the Next IAEA Director General?

Following the death of Yukiya Amano, the IAEA is still looking for a new Director General. The Board of Governors of the IAEA has received 4 applications for the prestigious position of IAEA Director General from Argentina, Burkina Faso, Romania and Slovakia. The candidate must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the Board. Read on to find out who the candidates are.

September 10, 2019

IAEA Memorial Ceremony in Honour of Director General Yukiya Amano

At a memorial service held at IAEA headquarters in Vienna in the presence of Mrs. Yukika Amano, dignitaries, diplomats, IAEA colleagues and member states paid tribute to late Director General Yukiya Amano, who passed away last month. Attendees included Heinz Fischer, Alexander Schallenberg and Satoshi Suzuki, Japan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

August 23, 2019

IAEA - Romanian Ambassador has been Designated Acting Director General

Ambassador Cornel Feruta of Romania, head-coordinator of the IAEA since 2013, has been responsible for coordinating the Agency's internal and external activities. As a consequence of the recent passing away of Director General Yukiya Amano, he has been designated Acting Director General at the IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency.

July 25, 2019

IAEA Member States Pay Tribute to Late Director General Yukiya Amano

During a Board of Governors meeting held at the IAEA headquarters, Member States paid their respects to Director General Yukiya Amano, who recently passed away. Delegations expressed deep sadness and a sense of great loss at his passing, commending Mr. Amano for his dedication and devotion to the work of the Agency and to the peaceful uses of nuclear technology for the benefit of people around the world.

July 25, 2019

IAEA Nuclear Watchdog Chief Yukiya Amano Died at 72

The boss of the Vienna-based IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency Yukiya Amano is dead. The Japanese was 72 years old. The longtime Japanese diplomat held the IAEA's top job since December 2009. The cause of his death is unclear. According to IAEA, Amano passed away as a result of his illness. Amano’s death comes at a time of increasing concerns and escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.

July 22, 2019 · Updated: July 24, 2019; 13:00

Visit the United Nations Family in Vienna and Get to Know Its Members

Are you a committed citizen and want to learn how the United Nations works? Would you like to find out more about how the UN made its home in Vienna, one of the four global UN headquarters?

January 18, 2019

Vienna International Centre Celebrates 40th Anniversary in 2019

In 2019, the VIC Vienna International Centre (commonly known as UNO City) is celebrating its 40th anniversary. More than 4,000 employees from over 110 countries work here. Vienna is one of the four headquarters of the United Nations alongside New York, Geneva and Nairobi. Find out which 19 organisations the United Nations family in Vienna includes and what they do in Vienna.

January 18, 2019

Meet the New USA Ambassador to the International Organizations in Vienna (United Nations, IAEA, CTBTO) - Jackie Wolcott

Jackie Wolcott, of Virginia, is the new Representative of the United States to the Vienna Office of the United Nations, the new Representative of the United States of America to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the new Representative of the United States of America to the CTBTO Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, with the Rank of Ambassador.

November 2, 2018 · Updated: November 7, 2018; 13:00

Vienna International School Turned 40 Years Old

Exactly forty years ago the VIS Vienna International School was set up to provide a truly international education for the children in the Viennese international community especially those associated with the United Nations. The school was therefore located very close to the VIC Vienna International Centre. Since then it has established itself as a school of international understanding and cosmopolitanism.

October 9, 2018