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Weekly Briefing: Vienna Iran Nuclear Talks Back on Track
The Find out more about this week's developments. Negotiations with Iran to save the nuclear agreement have resumed in Vienna. The Ukrainian ambassador, Vasyl Khymynets, recently criticized the Austrian police. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
August 4, 2022
International Organisations in Vienna: What is the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law?
The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) is based in Vienna and aims to unify and actively promote international trade law. Learn more about this international organisation in Vienna!
August 3, 2022
UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Conference in New York
The UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty tenth review conference is held in New York after a two-year delay caused by the CoV pandemic. Even before Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, nuclear disarmament had stalled. Now, reducing the nearly 13,000 nuclear weapons worldwide is becoming even more difficult.
August 1, 2022
International Day Against Human Trafficking: What Measures is Vienna Taking?
International Day against Trafficking in Persons is held every year on 30 July in order to raise awareness of human trafficking and its consequences. This year's theme is "new technologies that enable and prevent trafficking in persons."
July 29, 2022
Earth Overshoot Day: World has Already Used Up Resources
The Earth's natural resources for this year will have been depleted by tomorrow. By tomorrow, ecosystems would need about a year to replenish their resources. According to the Global Footprint Network, which is based in the United States and Switzerland, Earth Overshoot Day is slightly earlier this year than last.
July 27, 2022
Austria's Minister for Europe at the UN Forum for Sustainable Development in New York
In New York, the UN Forum on Sustainable Development discussed progress on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Austria's Minister for Europe, Karoline Edtstadler, attended the event. The current discussion focused on how the COVID 19 pandemic impacts the implementation of development goals.
July 19, 2022
Meet the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Lybia to the United Nations in Vienna
Osama Abduljalil Abdulhadi, the new Permanent Representative of Libya, presented his credentials to Ghada Waly, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna. Meet Osama Abduljalil Abdulhadi, the new Permanent Representative of Lybia to the International Organisations in Vienna.
July 7, 2022
How the Police Files from the Uyghur Detention Camps Reveal China's Understanding of Human Rights
The leak of the Xinjiang Police Files has provided the best evidence to date of what many experts believe is an ongoing genocide against millions of Uyghurs in China. Read more about these files and what they tell the world about China's views on human rights.
July 4, 2022
First Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Vienna
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons wants to ban the possession of Nuclear Weapons in the world. Member states of the treaty met today in Vienna for the first time to convene about further developments.
June 21, 2022
World Refugee Day Raises Awareness of the Right on Protection
Every year on 20 June, World Refugee Day takes place to draw attention to flight and displacement. This year, the focus is on the staggering number of over 100 million displaced people worldwide - the highest number ever recorded according to UNHCR. In addition to famine and natural disasters, the war in Ukraine is primarily responsible for this high number this year, as many people have had to leave their homes to escape the violence.
June 20, 2022
OSCE Condemns Use of Sexual Violence as Weapon of War
Reports of sexual violence against women and girls in the Ukraine war have been circulating in the media for some time. Now OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid has spoken out and called for an immediate end to these crimes. Read on if you want to know more.
June 20, 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
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
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
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
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
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
Recap: Secretary-General Guterres Visit to Vienna
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres visited Vienna last week. Read more about his visit.
May 16, 2022
Vienna's Buddhist Community Celebrates the Vesak Festival
Today, the Vesak festival is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment and complete extinction of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama and thus his exit from the cycle of rebirth. We wish all devout Buddhists a happy festival!
May 16, 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
Meet the New Ambassadors of Brazil, Germany, Tanzania and Rwanda to Austria
The new Ambassadors of the Federative Republic of Brazil (H.E. Mr. Nelson Antonio Tabajara de Oliveira), Federal Republic of Germany (H.E. Mr. Michael Josef Hermann Klor – Berchtold), United Republic of Tanzania (H.E. Mr. Celestine Joseph Mushy) and Republic of Rwanda (H.E. Mr. Marie Chantal Rwakazina) to Austria presented their credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about these new ambassadors.
May 9, 2022
Austrian Foreign Ministry Opens Regional Forum On Minority Issues
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Minorities, the Secretary-General Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the UN Special Rapporteur in charge, Fernand de Varennes, organized the Regional Forum on Minority Issues in Europe and Central Asia.
May 3, 2022
Meet the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Portugal to the International Organizations in Vienna
Miguel Maria Simões Coelho de Almeida e Sousa, Portugal's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Miguel Maria Simões Coelho de Almeida e Sousa, the new permanent representative of Portugal to the International Organizations in Vienna.
April 29, 2022
UN Secretary General Guterres in Ukraine: "We Will Not Give Up”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during a visit to the capital Kiev, expressed courage to Ukraine and assured its full support. He condemned the Russian attacks and promised to continue providing aid and financial resources. During his speech, 2 bombs, among others, hit the Ukrainian capital.
April 29, 2022
Meet the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Peru to the International Organizations in Vienna
Luis Alberto Campana Boluarte, Brazil's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Ambassador Boluarte is an experienced diplomat. Meet Ambassador Boluarte, the new permanent representative of Brazil to the International Organizations in Vienna.
April 28, 2022
Austria Professes to be the Official Seat of Many International Organizations
The Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs, Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, today welcomed the more than 80 Permanent Representatives to International Organizations in Vienna for an exchange at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Austria's official residence. The meeting resumes a regular dialogue format that helps strengthen Vienna as a center for diplomacy.
April 27, 2022
Meet the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Brazil to the International Organizations in Vienna
Nelson Antonio Tabajara de Oliveira, Brazil's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Ambassador Tabajara de Oliveira is an experienced diplomat. Meet Ambassador Tabajara de Oliveira, the new permanent representative of Brazil to the International Organizations in Vienna.
April 27, 2022
Humanitarian Crisis in Mariupol: UN Calls for Immediate Cessation of Fighting
The humanitarian catastrophe in Mariupol continues to escalate, and more and more trapped civilians are fighting for their survival. Now, several UN-Organizations are calling on the Russian war leadership to establish humanitarian escape corridors and to cease hostilities immediately.
April 26, 2022
International Romani Day: Raising Awareness Against a Special Form of Racism
Today is the International Roma Day. This population group has been persecuted for centuries. Today's day is intended in particular to draw attention to the discrimination and persecution of Roma and at the same time to celebrate the culture of this ethnic minority. The European Union debated yesterday as a sign of today's day of action about the marginalization of Romani people.
April 8, 2022
UN Excludes Russia from Human Rights Council over Inhumane Crimes in Ukraine
After more and more details about crimes committed by the Russian Army against the Ukrainian population become public, the UN General Assembly is taking action. With a necessary two-thirds majority, the deputies voted for an exclusion from the Human Rights Council. This is not the first time something like this has happened.
April 8, 2022
UNODC and OSCE Support Efforts Against Human Trafficking of Refugees in Ukraine
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine caused a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Many Ukrainians are fleeing the country and are becoming refugees in their neighboring countries. UNODC and OSCE recently showed concern about Human Trafficking and that Ukrainian refugees could become targets of traffickers.
March 29, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Albania to the International Organizations in Vienna
Eglantina Gjermeni, Albania's new permanent representative, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Ambassador Gjermeni is an experienced politician and has already served as a minister in her country. Meet Ambassador Eglantina Gjermeni, the new permanent Permanent Representative of Albania to the International Organizations in Vienna.
March 25, 2022
Ukraine's Displaced Children: 70,000 Have Already Crossed into Austria
The war in Ukraine is causing inhuman suffering and despair - especially among children. More than half of the Ukrainian children are considered displaced and many of them also found their way to Austria. If you want to learn more details about the current challenges, please read on.
March 25, 2022
The Impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on the Nuclear Talks in Vienna
In the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine new issues emerged in the negotiations for the revival of the JCPOA in Vienna. For the West and Iran, it is important to re-establish the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, despite Russia's diversionary tactics.
March 24, 2022
Imran Khan Meets With Alexander Schallenberg in Pakistan
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan meets Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Pakistan. In addition to talks about Afghanistan, which is controlled by the Taliban, the war in Ukraine was also on the agenda. Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world that have so far not voiced criticism of Russia's crimes in Ukraine.
March 18, 2022
IAEA Staff Association Ball 2023: The History of the UN Ball in Vienna
Vienna's history has one special sort of cultural event season every year. One important ball for the international community is the IAEA Staff Association Ball, which has become an integral part of Vienna's traditional ball calendar. The next IAEA Staff Association Ball will take place on the 11 of February 2023.
March 17, 2022
Support for Refugee Women and Children in Response to Russian Aggression and Violation of International Law
The Commission on the Status of Women (CMS) is currently meeting in New York. The main focus this year is on the problems of Ukrainian women and girls who are fleeing from Russian aggression in Ukraine. Austria's Minister for Women's Affairs, Susanne Raab, condemns the Russian war of aggression in a statement of the EU ministers and demands an immediate withdrawal of the troops.
March 16, 2022
Meet Chad Blackman, the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the International Organizations in Vienna
The Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations in Vienna, Chad Blackman, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly. In addition to being the Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations in Vienna, Mr. Blackman is serving as the Permanent Representative of Barbados to the WTO and UN Offices at Geneva and as the Ambassador of Barbados to Austria and Serbia. Learn more about Ambassador Blackman.
March 15, 2022
UN General Assembly: 141 States Condemn Russian Aggression and Rights Violations against Ukraine
By a large majority, the UN General Assembly has condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. 141 states voted in favor of a resolution to this effect and demanded Russia's withdrawal from the country. Austria was represented by its UN Ambassador.
March 2, 2022
Austria's UN Ambassador Questions Whether the System of Veto Powers Is Still Capable of Governing Relationships
At an emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly, Austrian Ambassador to the UN, Alexander Marschik, questioned whether the veto power provided to the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council undermines its ability to uphold international law. Read more of what the ambassador said regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
March 1, 2022
Austria Before the OSCE Council: "War Is Raging on the European Continent"
Foreign Minister Schallenberg addressed the OSCE Council and made an urgent appeal for Russia to halt its war on Ukraine and return to the negotiating table. Read what Schallenberg said about the intensifying conflict in Ukraine.
February 25, 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
Lunar New Year 2022: Austria's Chinese Community Welcomes the Year of the Tiger
People around the world recently celebrated the ushering in of the Year of the Tiger. Read more about the Lunar New Year, one of the most important Chinese holidays.
February 3, 2022
U.S. Ambassador Laura Holgate Presented Her Credentials to the United Nations Office at Vienna
Professional U.S. diplomat with expertise in nonproliferation, nuclear deterrence, nuclear security, disarmament, nuclear energy and other related areas becomes ambassador at a time when Europe is facing the greatest threat of war since World War II.
February 1, 2022
United Nations: Guterres Appoints Volker Türk of Austria Under-Secretary-General for Policy in His Executive Office
Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of Austrian lawyer and UN official as Under-Secretary-General for Policy in his Executive Office.
January 26, 2022
Brussels: Schallenberg Attends Ukraine Crisis Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers
Foreign Minister Schallenberg attended a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. The meeting, which U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also attended virtually, focused on the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine. Read about the meeting and watch an interview with Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
January 26, 2022
Meet the New Ambassadors of Congo, Bhutan, Burundi and Djibouti to Austria
The new Ambassadors of Congo, Bhutan, Burundi, and Djibouti to Austria presented their credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about these new ambassadors.
January 25, 2022
Van der Bellen: New Year's Address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna
President Van der Bellen delivered his New Year's address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna. He talked about the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and more. Read what the president said and watch his speech.
January 24, 2022
Meet the New Mongolian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Tsengeg Mijiddorj
The new Ambassador of Mongolia to Austria, H.E. Mr. Tsengeg Mijiddorj, presented his credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about Ambassador Mijiddorj.
January 18, 2022