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UNITED NATIONS
Vienna International Centre
We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding
generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has
brought untold sorrow to mankind...
(Charter of the United Nations)
W. Zyszkowski
EXHIBITION AT THE UN HEADQUARTERS
NEW YORK, IN SEPTEMBER 2007
AND GENEVA, IN OCTOBER 2008
Introduction
Vienna and the Vienna International Centre
Vienna is the only European Union city to host one
of four UN headquarters, along with New York,
Geneva and Nairobi. The Vienna International
Centre, VIC, in Vienna known as “UNO City“, was
officially opened on 23 August 1979. It is home to
several international organisations and has been the
venue of numerous international meetings, which
are either held at the Centre as such or the Austria
Center next door. Vienna
The Vienna International Centre on the river Danube
has long assumed landmark qualities. It also reflects
Europäische Union
the way Vienna perceives itself as a platform for
international meetings in the heart of a united Europe,
Vienna in the heart of Europe is the only
as much of the world’s history has been shaped here. EU city to host a UN headquarters.
Danube Island, the recreational
paradise of Vienna, is within
walking distance of the VIC. It
offers 42km of sand, gravel and
grassy beaches as well as a lot
of leisure time facilities. The Old
Danube, a former side arm of the
Danube, peacefully stretches
just behind the VIC surrounded
by gardens, sunbathing
meadows and restaurants with
waterside terraces, promenades
and cycle paths.
Vienna Tourist Board
The Vienna International Centre
can be reached by a short ride
The Vienna International Centre on the river Danube has long assumed landmark qualities.
from the city centre on the U1
underground line. There are
only five underground stops
between the VIC and St.
Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna’s
historic city centre, Vienna’s 1st
The Vienna City Hall at the
district, enclosed by the Ringstrasse boulevard, which encloses
Ringstrasse boulevard. Vienna’s first district.
Vienna Tourist Board
There are only five underground stops between the VIC and Vienna’s historic city centre.
Editor: City of Vienna,
Chief Executive Office for International Relations
Editorial Office: Regina Wiala-Zimm and
Martina Hudecsek (Chief Executive Office)
Vienna Tourist Board
Christian Mertens (Vienna City Library)
Layout: GraphMulti Zaunrieth
Cover Picture: W. Zyszkowski
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
Congress of Vienna, Summit Meetings and Conferences
Vienna and the Vienna International Centre
As an imperial residence Vienna played a vital role in world history
for many centuries. The first Congress of Vienna in 1515 was a summit
meeting between Emperor Maximilian I and the king of Hungary and
Bohemia as well as the king of Poland.
The more famous Congress of Vienna of 1814/15 was convened after
the Napoleonic wars to redraw the boundaries of Europe, which were
to last until the First World War.
The Congress of Vienna was strewn with a myriad of social events
and proved a costly undertaking for Austria. While the city gained
enormously on the political stage and soon flourished both culturally
and economically, it also paid dearly as prices for food and housing
soared.
The collapse of the Habsburg empire left Austria with barely an impact
on world politics. From the 1950s onwards, it strove to make up for The Congress of Vienna of
1814/15 gave birth to the idea of
this by hosting international conferences and congresses, as well as collective security, the tenor of
summit meetings. which lives on with the UN.
Soviet Party First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev
and US President John F. Kennedy met in
Vienna in June 1961, as did the Soviet Party
General Secretary and head of state Leonid
Brezhnev and President Jimmy Carter in June
1979, to mention but a few.
Numerous international organisations and
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are
also located in Vienna, among them the
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC), and the Organization for
Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Austria’s federal capital has always been a
venue for dispute settlement talks, such as:
• the Middle East and Cyprus conflicts,
Albertina Vienna
• conferences on security policies, such as
the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT),
the Mutual Balanced Force Reduction Talks C. J. Prince de Ligne is known
to have said “Le congrès
and others, danse beaucoup, mais il ne
marche pas” (“the congress
• the third follow-up meeting of the dances, but it doesn’t get
Conference for Security and Co-operation anywhere”).
in Europe (CSCE) (November 1986 –
January 1989) – a Europe-wide security
conference acting with the participation
of the United States and Canada,
• international stakeholders, business
groups, scientific and religious
organisations have also come to enjoy this
city as a venue for their conferences.
Soviet Party First Secretary
Austrian National Library
In fact, in 2006 Vienna was the leading Nikita Khrushchev and
conference city worldwide. US President John F. Kennedy met
in Vienna in June 1961.
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
Austria’s Role within
the United Nations
UNPA
Stamp issue showing the UNO City
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
The Founding and Structure of the United Nations
Austria’s Role within the United Nations
Following a series of preliminary talks and declarations from
1941 onwards, the Allied Forces finally agreed to
establish a new world order once the Second World War
was over.
In spring 1945, 50 nations convened for the founding
conference in San Francisco which culminated in the
adoption of the Charter of the United Nations. The Charter
came into force on 24 October 1945. The day has been
celebrated as the “United Nations Day” since then.
The UN’s main organs are:
The General Assembly
• meets in regular annual sessions UN Photo
• recommendations made to Member States by the
General Assembly are not binding 1st session of the Security Council, 17 January 1946
The Security Council
• the only UN organ entitled to take binding decisions on matters of peace and
security
• composed of 15 Members States, with China, France, the Russian Federation,
the United Kingdom and the United States as permanent members.
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
• was established to co-ordinate the activities of special organs and
UN Photo
specialised agencies engaged in the promotion of economic and social
development worldwide Signing of the UN Charter, 26 June 1945
The International Court of Justice (ICJ)
• established in The Hague
• to settle international legal disputes and to draft legal opinions
The United Nations Secretariat
• headed by the Secretary-General who is the chief administrative officer of
the UN
• the Secretary-General may emphasise features of political relevance and
engage in acts of diplomacy
UN Photo
1st session of the General Assembly, 10 January 1946
The UN now has 192 member states.
Ban Ki-Moon, the current Secretary-General from the Republic of Korea, has
headed the UN Secretariat since 1 January 2007.
Along with offices, commissions and departments there are a number of subsidiary
organs inside the UN.
Part of the UN system are 15 legally, structurally and financially independent
international organisations known as specialised agencies. These include, amongst
others, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), based
in Vienna.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also located at the Vienna
UN Photo
International Centre, is considered an autonomous organisation within the UN system.
International Court of Justice, 1992
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
Austria and the United Nations
Austria’s Role within the United Nations
On 14 December 2005 a ceremony to
commemorate Austria’s accession to the
United Nations 50 years ago was
conducted at Vienna’s Imperial Palace
(Hofburg).
Hopi-Media
Austria first applied for UN membership in July 1947, but had
to wait until after the signing of the State Treaty before it was
finally admitted by the General Assembly on 14 December
1955. Before that it had already played an active
role in some of the specialised agencies, such as
the FAO, the World Bank, and UNESCO since
1947/48.
On 14 December 2005 a ceremony to commemo-
rate Austria’s accession to the United Nations 50
years ago, co-organised by the City of Vienna, was
conducted at the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) in Vienna.
The celebration was enlivened by international music
Hopi-Media
In December 1971 Kurt Waldheim
from Austria, former foreign minister
groups from Vienna.
and later federal president, was As a member of the United Nations, Austria Choir of the Vienna International School, high-ranking
elected Secretary-General of the representatives of the Republic of Vienna, the City of
United Nations. Five years on, he • has a long tradition of promoting respect for Vienna and the United Nations Organizations
was reelected unanimously for a
second term of office. international law, peaceful settlement of disputes
and the establishment of efficient international
institutions, such as the International Criminal
Court.
• has actively participated in the UN human rights
bodies and hosted the UN World Conference on
Human Rights in 1993.
• supports international efforts in the fields of
City of Vienna
nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
• was elected non-permanent member of the On occasion of the ceremony to commemorate Austria's
Security Council in 1973/74 and again in accession to the UN 50 years ago an exhibition on the
VIC was shown in Vienna's Imperial Palace in 2005. Such
1991/92 , both times with an overwhelming an exhibition had first been shown at the VIC in 2004 at
majority. These two terms were certainly among the 25th anniversary of the Vienna International Centre
Austrian National Library
and since then it has been updated and shown at various
the highlights of Austria’s longstanding Viennese schools to inform the youth about Vienna's role
involvement in the United Nations. within the United Nations.
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
Peacekeeping Operations
Austria’s Role within the United Nations
Austria has been providing troops for UN peacekeeping operations
for decades. Never before have so many Austrians been actively
involved in peacekeeping operations as today.
Austria has a long tradition of active participation in peacekeeping
operations. Since 1960, some 60,000 soldiers and police officers
have been deployed in over 50 peace missions, including those in Departure of the
Austrian National Library
the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Golan Heights, Cyprus, Austrian field
the Balkans, East Timor and Afghanistan. hospital staff to
Cyprus, 1964
Austrians have been entrusted with
heading UN missions on several
occasions. Austria has also increased its
contributions to UN-mandated operations
of international organisations.
Currently, 1,300 Austrians (more than
ever before) are involved in protecting
and maintaining peace and security
around the world.
In 2008, Austria chairs the Steering
Committee of the Multinational Standby
High Readiness Brigade for United
Nations Operations (SHIRBRIG).
Austria as a Member of the European
Union and the EU’s Role in UN Peace-
keeping Activities:
• Austria is committed to the closest
Federal Ministry of Defence
possible cooperation between the
European Union and the United
Nations in the field of crisis
management. From 1960 to date Austria has deployed more than 50,000 people to support over 50 peace and aid operations abroad.
• Austria is actively involved in developing the EU’s civilian and UN peacekeeping
operations have come to
military capabilities, which will enable Europe to support the United play a major role for
Nations´ peacekeeping activities more effectively. international peace.
• Austria participates actively in civilian and military crisis-
management operations in close cooperation with the United Austria has a long tradition
of active participation in
Nations, particularly in Africa and the Balkans. peacekeeping operations.
Federal Ministry of Defence
UNDOF
UNTSO
IPTF, EUPM, UNMAC,
UNMIK, KFOR
IFOR, SFOR,
UNFICYP UNGCI, UNSCOM,
EUFOR “ALTHEA”
UNOMIG UNMOVIC UNIT, UNIIMOG
UNIKOM UNMOT
UNAFHIR
UNTAES
EUPOL PROXIMA,
EUFOR “CONCORDIA”
UNMIH
MPF
MINUGUA UNEF II UNMIN
ONUSAL UNTAC, UNAMIC, UNMLT
MINURSO
UNOWA UNTAET
UNYOM
Yellowdog – Full Multimedia and Graphic Design Services
MINUCI
UNOSOM I
UNOMIL UNMEE
ONUC, EUFOR “ARTEMIS”, UNMIS, AMIS II
EUFOR RD CONGO UNMOGIP
OSGAP, UNGOMAP
UNTAG UNAMIR
UNAMA, ISAF
ONUMOZ
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
Origins and Location of the
Vienna International Centre
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Aerial photo taken before the VIC was built
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
Before the Centre was Built
Origins and Location of the Vienna International Centre
The ground the Centre is built on was
incorporated into the city’s second district in
1850 and used to be part of a fine-meshed
network of tributaries to the river Danube. The
latter received a new bed in 1870-1875 and
the land retrieved in the course was settled
by workers in the late 19th century. This illegal
housing estate was better known as
“Bretteldorf” (board village) for the early
wooden shacks built there. It was up to eight
metres lower than the surrounding ground and
consequently was repeatedly flooded.
After the First World War (1914-1918) the mo-
nastery of Klosterneuburg as the land owner
divided the area into lots and leased them out.
Every rain would turn the area into a quagmire;
epidemics were a constant threat. In 1935 the
city administration bought the estate and soon
the lots were cleared despite heavy resistance
from occupants. The cleared area was used as
a dump for Vienna’s rapidly increasing waste.
In 1961 the Vienna City Senate decided to have
the area revitalised and turned into a recreation
park approximately 100 hectares in size. The
project and future park was named
“Donaupark“. The Vienna International
Vienna City Library, Sign.: K 48233
Horticultural Exhibition (WIG 64) was held here
from April to October 1964. The Danube Tower
with a height of 252 meters was erected in
1964. The restaurant situated on top of the
Map of the region before and after the regulation of the Danube river, 1874;
the spot marks the location of the VIC tower slowly turns around the tower’s axis and
offers views of Vienna as well as of the near-
by Vienna International Centre.
Vienna City Library, Sign.: B 168860
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Aerial photo taken before the VIC was built Advertising poster for the Viennese
International Horticultural Exhibition 1964
Danube Tower situated in Danube Park,
Ghafoory
seen from the Danube Island, 2007
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
The Planning and Construction of the International Centre
Origins and Location of the Vienna International Centre
Back in 1957 the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) first settled
in Vienna. Its headquarters at the time was located in the former Grand
Hotel on the Kärntner Ring. In 1966 Vienna successfully applied as host
to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The federal government,
upon the request of the
then Foreign Minister Kurt
Waldheim, proposed to the
UN to have a joint official
seat built for the two
organisations with the
option of further
organisations settling there
in the future. The City of
Vienna saw its chance and
made available a
2
180,000m lot near the
Vienna City Library, Sign.: B 117376)
Donaupark free of charge.
On 28 January 1967 Wolf-
gang Schmitz, Minister of
UNOV
Finance, and Felix Slavik,
City Councillor of Finance, The construction costs of 8.8 billion ATS
signed an agreement to that end. In 1968 an international were raised by the Federal Republic of
Austria (65%) and the City of Vienna
architectural competition was advertised for the project. 656 architects (35%). Construction of the International
from 36 countries submitted a total of 283 drafts to an international Centre commenced in the spring of 1973.
jury. A team of experts performed the final examination.
After considering functional and economic aspects, the committee
In 1968 an international architectural of ministers headed by Federal Chancellor Bruno Kreisky chose Johann
competition was advertised for the
project. 656 architects from 36 Staber’s project.
countries submitted a total of 283
drafts to an international jury. A team of The construction costs of 8.8 billion ATS were raised by the Federal
experts performed the final Republic of Austria (65%) and the City of Vienna (35%). Construction
examination.
of the International Centre commenced in the spring of 1973.
The United Nations pay a
symbolic rent of 7 Euro-
Cent (1 ATS) per year for a
period of 99 years plus
Vienna City Library, Sign.: P 47148
maintenance and operating
costs for the building. Like
foreign embassies the
After considering functional and Vienna International Centre
economic aspects, the committee of enjoys extraterritorial status.
ministers headed by Federal Chancellor
Bruno Kreisky chose Johann Staber’s
project.
Model of the buildings
Ghafoory
permanently exhibited at the VIC
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREThe Building and Interior Design
Origins and Location of the Vienna International Centre
The compound consists of six Y-
shaped office buildings between
48m and 120m height with a
core of joint elevators, sanitary
facilities, technical installations
and side rooms each. All 4,500
offices are located along the
buildings’ three main exterior
walls and offer work space for up
to 4,700 people.
The VIC has flexible partitioning
for many rooms and all buildings
are fully air-conditioned.
The three Y-shaped twin
buildings are connected in the
centre by a circular 56 metre
high conference building
consisting of 9 conference halls,
interpreting booths, central
facilities and a two-storey
entrance hall (Rotunda)
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underneath.
Aerial view of the VIC site, around 2000
Vienna City Library
0.3 % of the total construction costs were set aside for
the Centre’s interior design. Contemporary Austrian artists
were commissioned to fit out the lobbies and entrance
Map of the area showing the 6 Y- halls with their works and create a “showcase” for the
shaped office buildings connected to
the Conference Centre at the time of host country. An international jury chose works by 36
their planning different artists, among them Christian Attersee, Adolf
Frohner, Rudolf Hausner, Alfred Hrdlicka, Friedensreich
Hundertwasser, Hermann Nitsch and Arnulf Rainer.
Many objects have since been added to the original
collection.
Ghafoory
LA PIOGGIA – STADT UNTER
DEM REGEN by Austrian Artist
Friedensreich Hundertwasser
THANKSGIVING by Manuel D.
Ghafoory
Ghafoory
Baldemor, 1997
WOMEN FREE by Edwina Sandys, 1989
Japanese piece of art “Sacred Birds will
descend, Only when peace and justice
reign the world”, donated by Asia Crime
Ghafoory
Prevention Foundation in 1996
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREThe Conference Centre (ACV)
Origins and Location of the Vienna International Centre
Also included in the architects’ original competition
was a conference centre which was completed in
1987. It is equipped with flexible partitioning walls
allowing it to host UN conferences as well as balls,
presentations and a full range of other congresses.
Today the Austria Center Vienna (ACV) presents itself
in a new design on the occasion of its 20th anniversary
in 2007. Following an interior design makeover that
transformed the atmosphere in the building, the ACV The eye-catching wooden
Vienna City Library, Sign.: B 198288
construction marking the
has undergone structural changes: entrance area to the ACV.
Sketch of the Conference Centre made
by architect Staber in 1982 The Aristide de Sousa
Mendes promenade offers a
better orientation and optimal
access to the users of the
Austria Center when coming
from the underground stop
VIC/DC.
On the outside an eye-
catching wooden construc-
tion of a spectacular canopy,
Austria Center Vienna
complete with an innovative
Ghafoory
high-tech membrane, marks
The Aristide de Sousa Mendes the entrance area to the ACV.
promenade linking the Conference
Centre with the underground stop, 2007 In the most striking change so far brought about by the
ongoing alterations, the entrance to the ACV has been
Visualisation of the new conference completely remodelled and creates a sense of exceptional
building adjacent to the ACV and lightness. The sideways extension of the foyer has created
located in front of the Vienna
International Centre, which will be given
a spacious entrance area.
to the international organisations at the
VIC and become part of the UN
Anticipating future trends in the event business, a new
headquarters in Vienna. hall with a total exhibition space of 22,200m2 has been
Austria Center Vienna
created by converting and uniting former
restaurant and foyer spaces within the
existing conference centre – to guarantee The Austria Center Vienna (ACV) situated adjacent to
the ACV’s leading position as the top the VIC and Danube City
European venue for large conferences
and exhibitions. Today the ACV has a total
capacity of more than 10,000 people.
The completely remodelled foyer offering a sense of
exceptional lightness
Austria Center Vienna
Austria Center Vienna
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREConference Building M at the VIC
Origins and Location of the Vienna International Centre
hopimedia
Michael Häupl, Mayor and Governor of Vienna, at the inauguration ceremony of the
new conference building, 2008
The Republic of Austria and the City of Vienna answered the stron-
gly increasing demand of conference space by the Vienna-based
international organisations of the United Nations with the constru-
ction of a new conference building. The building was designed by
architect Albert Wimmer and is handed over to the Vienna-based
international organisations of the United Nations for their sole use.
The new conference building offers space for conferences and
congresses with up to 3,000 participants and will contribute to the
international importance of Vienna as conference venue and as one
of four UN headquarters.
On occasion of the inauguration ceremony of conference building M in
April 2008 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his appreciation:
arch.wimmer
“This new building marks the enhanced commitment of Vienna to
Attractively designed entrance hall with high-security glass façade multilateralism and its willingness to contribute to constructive dialogue
on the most pressing issues facing the international community.”
The conference building M at the Vienna International Centre is a new
landmark of the Danube City quarter in Vienna. The new building stands
out from among its strictly geometrically designed neighbours for its
sensitive architecture and, at the same time, blends into the complex of
attractive looking buildings and the surroundings. The new low-rise building
forms a dynamic contrast to the many high-rise buildings in the
neighbourhood.
While the building is open towards the VIC the office wing situated
south of the new conference hall forms a boundary to the
surroundings. The real eye catchers of the building are the compact
arch.wimmer
core and the flowing transparent building envelope boasting a high-
security transparent aluminium glass façade.
The new low-rise building in front of Vienna International Centre
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREVIENNA DC Donau-City
Origins and Location of the Vienna International Centre
After the plans for the EXPO 1995 on the
north bank of the river Danube were
rejected, an internationally renowned urban
centre has evolved in the past few years on
the previously undeveloped area, with
innovative office buildings and homes,
places of research, leisure facilities and
venues for events: Vienna Danube City.
The development project covers a total area
of about 18,500 m2. Nearly two thirds of the
project have already been completed and are
in use. Today around 8,500 people already
live and work in this new “city within the city”.
After completion of the development,
Ghafoory
scheduled for the year 2012, there will be
The traffic-free pedestrian level in the Vienna Danube City is unique throughout Europe.
up to 15,000 people.
With its architecturally sophisticated skyline and the unique traffic-free pedestrian area, with
numerous social meeting places between the towers of the offices, Vienna Danube City offers
an all-inclusive social infrastructure, markets, restaurants, cafés, a health centre, school and
church.
Thanks to its special location by the water and the neighbouring recreational areas international
experts rate Vienna Danube City, which lies only eight minutes away by underground from
beyer.co.at
the historic city centre, as one of the most interesting city development areas in Europe.
Due to the rapid development of the quarter, the French architect Dominique Perrault created Visualisation of the Vienna Danube City, a
a revised master plan for the remaining building area near the New Danube where two DC multifunctional, modern quarter on the left bank of the
river Danube in Vienna, adjacent to the Vienna
Towers are to be International Centre
erected. DC Tower 1
with a height of over
220m will be the
Vienna Danube City today, seen from the nearby
highest office building Danube Island
in Austria.
Visualisation of the skyline with the two high-rise
Ghafoory
DC Towers, which still need to be erected
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UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREEveryday Life Business at the International Centre
UN Organisations
in Vienna
UNOV
The Rotunda in the centre of the VIC
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREUNOV United Nations Office at Vienna
UN Organisations in Vienna
The UNOV, established on 1 January 1980, serves as the Antonio Maria Costa from Italy
has been head of UNOV since
representative office of the Secretary-General in Vienna and May 2002.
performs representation functions with governments,
intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations. UNOV
provides financial, personnel and administrative services for a number
of UN organisations and institutions resident in Vienna.
The UNOV Division for Management consists of
• the Conference Management Service (CMS),
• the General Support Section (GSS)
• the Security and Safety Section (SSS).
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The main function of the Conference Management Service (CMS) is
to provide Member States and intergovernmental bodies with all the
services that meetings require for their smooth functioning:
• planning and organising meetings in Vienna and throughout the
world
• organising meeting room facilities in the Vienna International Centre
and other locations
• editing, translating, formatting, designing, printing and distributing
official documents
UNOV’s functions are to liaise and negotiate at the inter-agency level
on all aspects of administrative arrangements at the VIC with
• the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),
• the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO),
• the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-
Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO PrepCom)
Since 1982, the UNOV is headed by a Director-General who acts as
personal representative of the Secretary-General and also serves as
Under-Secretary-General.
Ghafoory
Additional tasks include safety and security services for persons and equipment,
engineering and communications technology.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan with security staff members
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Michael Häupl, Mayor of Vienna, presents the drinking fountain
“AQA – Water with a Human Face” to Director-General Antonio Maria Costa, 2003
IAEA
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREUNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
UN Organisations in Vienna
New forms of cross-border crime and the
increasing spread of drugs worldwide are
clearly among the negative consequences of
globalisation. The Office on Drugs and
Crime was established in Vienna on 1
November 1997. UNOV Director-General
Antonio Maria Costa was appointed Executive
Director of the UNODC .
UNODC’s mandates are
• to foster international co-operation in the
fight against illicit production and abuse
of drugs,
• to pursue international prevention
programmes and
• to define and spread internationally
recognised guidelines on the judiciary’s
independence, alternatives to
imprisonment, treatment of prisoners,
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protection of victims, etc.
UNOV Director-General Antonio Maria Costa – here with Mayor Michael Häupl – was appointed Executive Director of
The UNODC aims to co-ordinate international the UNODC.
action against illegal drug trafficking and abuse
of drugs. The programme’s work includes
drafting reports on the current drug situation,
consulting governments on issues of crop
monitoring, drug legislation, prevention of drug
consumption and treatment of drug addicts.
It is also responsible for all matters of crime
prevention and criminal law with special
emphasis on organised transnational crime,
UNODC
UNODC
human trafficking, money laundering,
UNODC’s mandates are to foster international co-operation in the fight…….
corruption and terrorism.
UNODC
UNODC
……… against illegal drug trafficking and abuse of drugs. The programme’s work includes prevention of
drug consumption.
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREUNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization
UN Organisations in Vienna
From its inception, the United Nations recognised
that equitable economic development throughout
the world was the keystone to lasting peace and
prosperity. During the 1950s and 1960s,
industrialised countries grew prosperous while the
developing world slipped into greater poverty.
Therefore the United Nations began to pay closer
attention to industrial development as integral to
economic and social development.
UNIDO, founded in 1966, left New York the
following year to set up the new organisation in
the Austrian capital, Vienna. And in 1985, it
became the sixteenth specialised agency of the
United Nations, with its own member states and
budget.
UNIDO
UNIDO has sharpened its technical cooperation
activities by focusing on three themes, which Director-General Yumkella at the UNIDO – 40 years celebration in 2006
directly respond to international development
priorities:
• poverty reduction through productive activities
• trade capacity building
• energy and environment
The main focus of its activities is to promote
UNIDO
productivity among small and medium-sized
Clothing industry: measuring up to international standards, Sri Lanka
enterprises. To this end the organisation has
developed “integrated programmes” operating
at the political, institutional and company level
to mobilise knowledge, information and
technology for productive employment,
competitiveness and a healthy environment.
Regional emphasis of the programmes is
UNIDO
placed on sub-Saharan Africa with 40% of funds
MINECOnet web portal for SMEs, Guatemala
allocated to that area.
UNIDO currently has 172 member states whose
representatives meet at the General Conference,
which takes place every two years. In 2006
UNIDO maintained a field network of 12 regional
offices, 16 country offices, and thirteen “UNIDO
Desks” based in UNDP offices. UNIDO maintains
UNIDO
liaison offices in Brussels (European Union),
Geneva (United Nations) and New York (United Kilimanjaro Industrial Development Trust “alive and kicking“, Tanzania
Nations).
In 2006 a festive ceremony at the Austria Centre
Vienna marked UNIDO’s 40th anniversary “Reducing
Poverty through Sustainable Industrial Growth”.
UNIDO’s current Director-General, Kandeh K.
Yumkella from Sierra Leone, assumed office in
UNIDO
December 2005. Perfume micro-enterprise goes global, Bahrain
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTRECTBTO Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
UN Organisations in Vienna
In September 1996 the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
(CTBT), which bans all nuclear test explosions on Earth, was signed
by 71 states, among them the five official nuclear weapon states.
The main task of the CTBTO, situated in Vienna, is to build a global
alarm system to monitor the ground, the waters and the atmosphere
for nuclear explosions. This unique verification regime includes a
337 facility International Monitoring System (IMS) consisting of seismic,
infrasound, hydroacoustic and radionuclide stations as well as
radionuclide laboratories.
By mid-2008, the CTBTO plans to have 90% of the IMS stations
installed. The IMS stations send data to the International Data Centre
(IDC) in Vienna where they are processed and forwarded to States
for final judgement. The verification regime also includes on-site The CTBTO is led by
iInspections in the event of a nuclear explosion, a consultation and Executive Secretary Tibor
clarification process as well as confidence-building measures. Tóth who took office in
CTBTO
August 2005.
The year 2006 marked the 10th anniversary of the Treaty’s adoption.
As part of the events to commemorate this milestone, a scientific
symposium titled “CTBT: Synergies with Science 1996-2006” was
held at the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) in Vienna.
As of September 2007, 177 States had signed and 140 States had
ratified the Treaty. The Treaty will come into force when it has been
ratified by the 44 States that possessed nuclear power or research
reactors at the time of the treaty negotiations in 1996. As of September
2007, 34 of those States had ratified the Treaty.
The Treaty and the Organisation enjoy strong support from the
international community. The Organisation is led by Executive Secretary
Tibor Tóth who took office in August 2005.
CTBTO
As part of the events to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Treaty,
a scientific symposium was held at Vienna’s Imperial Palace.
CTBTO
The preparation for the deployment of a
hydrophone at hydroacoustic station
HA03, Juan Fernández Island, Chile.
Tests are being conducted at
radionuclide station RN29 on the
French island of Réunion to check the
CTBTO
functioning of the station.
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREIAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
UN Organisations in Vienna
The International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) is the world’s foremost
forum for scientific and technical
cooperation in the peaceful use of
nuclear technology. Established as an
independent organisation under the
United Nations (UN) in 1957, the IAEA
represents the realisation of US
President Eisenhower’s visionary
“Atoms for Peace” speech to the UN
General Assembly in 1953. He pro-
posed the creation of an international
body to both control and promote the
use of atomic energy. Today, the
IAEA’s broad spec-
trum of servi ces
and activities is
based on the needs
of more than 140
IAEA
Member States.
Austrian National Library
IAEA safeguards are designed to ensure that countries using In 2005, the Norwegian Nobel
nuclear technologies are not secretly developing nuclear Committee honoured the IAEA
and its Director-General
weapons. Hundreds of nuclear facilities are safeguarded by Mohamed ElBaradei as “an
IAEA conference at the Vienna the IAEA in over 70 countries. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear unafraid advocate” of atoms for
Konzerthaus, 1957 peace, not warheads.
Weapons (NPT) requires that all non-nuclear-weapon states conclude
comprehensive IAEA safeguards agreements and submit all nuclear material
to IAEA monitoring. Governments sign agreements with the IAEA pledging to
disclose their nuclear materials and
activities. The IAEA then applies
analytical methods, environmental
monitoring, satellite imagery and
on-site inspections to verify that the
declarations continue to be accurate
and complete. There are safeguards
agreements in force with more than
150 States.
The IAEA facilitates transfer of
M. Gwozdecky/IAEA
nuclear technology to Member States
A portable radiation detector
for use in medical, agricultural, is tested in the field in Georgia,
Inspectors and staff prepare for industrial, water management and other applications. This contributes directly 2002
the inspection in Iraq, 2002 to the goals of sustainable development and protection of
the environment.
Along with the Secretariat in Vienna there are regional and
liaison offices in Geneva, New York, Tokyo and Toronto. The
organisation has been running a research laboratory at
Seibersdorf (Lower Austria) since 1962.
The Agency is led by a Director-General, currently Mohamed
ElBaradei from Egypt who has been in this position since
P. Pavlicek/IAEA
December 1997.
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREUNIS United Nations Information Service
UN Organisations in Vienna
UNIS Vienna is responsible for the public
information and outreach work of the United
Nations offices and for the visitors services at
the Vienna International Centre. At the same
time, it serves as the public voice of the UN
in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. In
addition, it provides strategic guidance to the
Czech Republic and Romania. Mr. Maher Nasser
is director of UNIS.
The tasks of UNIS Vienna include:
• media and public relations: media liaison,
press releases and briefings, media
accreditation, information campaigns and
presentations, library
• visitors service: Multilingual guides from
different countries inform about the United
Nations and the work of the Vienna-based
organisations. Tours are available in German,
English and ten other languages
UNIS
• NGOs: The NGO liaison office of UNIS
Mr. Maher Nasser, director of UNIS Vienna, 2008
Vienna services approximately 400
local NGO representatives, research
institutes, political think tanks and
initiatives of civil society. Information on
relevant issues is distributed to them on
a regular basis and NGO representatives
are invited to press/information briefings
held by UNIS.
• special workshops and events for
journalists, students and teachers:
Examples of recent activites in this
field are:
Journalist Forum on Human Rights, 2006
Teachers’ Forum on the occasion of the
“Days of Action for Political Education”,
2007
Students Forum titled “Vienna as a Head-
quarters of International Organizations: A
Hub against Uncivil Society” centred on the
UNIS client country Slovenia.
UNIS
UNIS
The City of Vienna is proud to be in a position Children from international schools celebrating Peace Day at the Peace Bell, VIC 2006
to act as a partner for UNIS to support the
various workshops and events.
• International Days and Years: UNIS also
cooperates with local NGOs and the City
of Vienna in the organisation of special
United Nations observances (i.e. Inter-
Students from Austria, Hungary, Slovenia
national Peace Day, Human Rights Day, and the Slovak Republic attending a Forum
UNIS
etc.) at UNIS, VIC 2005
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREOther Organisations Located at the VIC
UN Organisations in Vienna
UNOOSA United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs or Member States. UNOPS is governed by the Executive Board in New
York and has several field offices worldwide including the one at the
This unit, which is assigned to UNOV, is responsible for promoting
Vienna International Centre.
international co-operation in the peaceful uses of outer space. UNOOSA
assists developing countries in accessing space technology for their
OIOS United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services – Vienna Office
own benefit and covers a wide range of applications such as
• information management (satellite navigation and communications) Only in 2003 did the United Nations open its new Office of Internal
• environmental and species protection (satellite photography) Oversight Services in the International Centre. OIOS is a branch of
• agriculture (weather satellites, satellite photography) the New York office. Vienna was chosen as its seat to increase the
• water and weather watch (weather satellites, satellite photography) co-operation with UNODC, in particular in the fight against corruption
• issues pertaining to refugees (satellite navigation and and organised crime.
communications)
• education. UNPA United Nations Postal Administration
In 1947 Argentina first proposed that the UN should have its own
UNOPS United Nations Office for Project Services – Vienna Field Office postal stamps. An agreement to this effect was signed with the US
The UN General Assembly first established this office in the 1970s postal authorities in 1951, followed by similar agreements with Geneva
to prepare projects and programmes supported by UN organisations and Vienna. On 24 August 1979 the first UN stamps in Austrian
schillings were issued by the UNPA office in Vienna. Since
2001/02 UN stamps in Austria have been issued in Euro.
Stamp issues are dedicated to a common theme with nominal
values calculated in the relevant currency of each of the three
postal administrations. Commemorative stamps are issued
six times a year as a rule and are sold for twelve months
only. Themes are selected with the objective to raise
awareness (e.g. human rights, the environment, endangered
species, peace, etc.).
In 2007, UNPA
issued a stamp
sheet to
commemorate
the Peaceful
Visions stamp
issue.
UNOOSA
UNISPACE III, 1999
UNPA
UNPA
UNPA
UNOOSA
UNISPACE III, 1999 Selection of stamps
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREOther Organisations Located at the VIC
UN Organisations in Vienna
On occasion of the 50th
anniversary of UNSCEAR the
Executive City Councillor for
Cultural Affairs and Science of
Vienna, Andreas Mailath-Pokorny,
welcomed Hans Blix, former IAEA
Director-General, and Malcom
Crick at the Vienna City Hall
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UNSCEAR United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Originally located at United Nations headquarters in New York, the
Atomic Radiation Division was relocated to the United Nations Office at Vienna in
September 1979, while formally remaining a part of the Office of Legal
The commission was mandated to collect information on ionising
Affairs in New York. Professional staff members of the Division include
radiation and radionuclides from all natural and artificial sources and
a small number of qualified lawyers from different countries and legal
to assess their potential threat to human beings and the environment.
traditions, with the Director of the Division, Jernej Sekolec, serving
The secretariat, based in Vienna and headed by Malcolm Crick,
as the Secretary of UNCITRAL.
provides organisational support.
ICPDR International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – Vienna Office
This body provides the institutional frame for the implementation of
The United Nations Refugee Organization took up work as a branch
the River Danube Protection Convention, which entered into force in
office of the General Assembly in 1951. It supports refugees returning
October 1998 and provides the basis for international co-operation
home, integrating into host countries and transiting to third
in the Danube river basin. It is
countries. UNHCR operates worldwide with 277 offices and a staff
not part of the United Nations
of more than 5,000 in total. Its head since June 2005 is the High
system but is also based in the
Commissioner for Refugees Mr. António Guterres. The Vienna regional
Vienna International Centre. 12
office was established in 1951.
of the 13 Danube river basin
countries plus the European
UNCITRAL United Nations Commission for International Trade Law Union have joined the
When the General Assembly established the Commission in 1966 it Convention. The office in Vienna
did so in recognition of the fact that differences in national legislation is run by Executive Secretary
are a hindrance to international trade. The Commission was tasked Philip Weller.
to actively further the harmonisation of international trade law. The
Commission is presently composed of 60 members elected by the
General Assembly so as to be representative of the world’s geographic “Danube Watch”, the official
ICPDR
regions, amongst them Austria. magazine of ICPDR
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREEveryday Life Business at the International Centre
Vienna and the
Vienna International Centre
Austrian Federal Chancellery
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on his first official visit to Vienna meeting
Michael Häupl, Mayor and Governor of Vienna, 2007
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREConferences and Other Events
Vienna and the Vienna International Centre
Since its opening in the summer of 1979 the Vienna International Centre
has hosted a myriad of international UN conferences and events, such as:
• The United Nations Conference on Science and Technology for
Development (UNCSTD, August 1979)
• Second United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful
Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE II, August 1982)
• International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (ICDAIT,
June 1987)
• Martin Luther King peace prize awarded to former Federal
Chancellor Bruno Kreisky (December 1989)
• 50 soldiers received medals on behalf of the Austrian UN contingent
(December 1988) in recognition of their contribution to the 1988
Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the UN peace forces
• World Conference on Human Rights (June 1993): one of the UN’s
biggest conferences in Vienna with more than 5,000 participants;
adoption of a declaration to raise respect for human rights
• Review Conference of States Parties to the Convention on Certain
Conventional Weapons (October 1995)
• Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful
Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III, 1999): The conference was
accompanied by a space exhibition.
Bernhard J. Holzner / HOPI-MEDIA
• Seventh Global Forum on Reinventing Government – Building Trust
in Government (June 2007). The conference took place in the Austria
Centre Vienna and was attended by more than 2,000 people.
• UN GIFT United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking - Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Ursula Plassnik at the
7th Global Forum on Reinventing Government – Building Trust in Government, 2007
The Vienna Forum to Fight Human Trafficking, which brought together
representatives from 116 countries, took place from 13 to 15 February
Haslinger
2008. UN Secretary-General
Boutros-Ghali and Austrian
Foreign Minister Mock at
the World Conference on
Human Rights, 1993
International Conference on Drug
Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 1987
Rev. Liberato Bautista,
President of CoNGO –
Conference of Non-
governmental Organi-
zations in Consultative
Relationship with the
United Nations at the
“Uniting for Peace in
Vienna” Meeting for
60 Students from
Belgrade, Ljubljana,
Podgorica, Sarajevo,
Henke/UNIS
Skopje and Zagreb,
UNIS
2008
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREVisits
Vienna and the Vienna International Centre
Many leading personalities have visited the Vienna International Centre,
among them the UN Secretaries-General Kurt Waldheim, Javier Perez
de Cuellar, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon.
Other famous visitors to mention are:
• Pope John Paul II (1983)
• Daniel Arap Moi, President of Kenya (June 1985),
• Mother Teresa (March 1987),
• Palestinian President Arafat (1993)
• Queen Fabiola of Belgium (October 1994),
• Fidel Ramos, President of the Philippines (September 1997),
• King Hussein of Jordan (June 1998),
• Nobel Peace Prize laureate Bishop Desmond Tutu (June 1998)
• Former US President Jimmy Carter (1999)
• UN Goodwill Ambassador Julia Ormond (2006)
• King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden (2007)
• UN Goodwill Ambassador Emma Thompson (2008)
UN.GIFTt/UNODC
Goodwill Ambassador Emma Thompson at the UN.GIFT Global Initiative to Fight Human
Trafficking Conference, 2008
Haslinger
Former US President Jimmy Carter
visiting in 1999
IAEA
Pope John Paul II visiting the VIC in 1983
The Vienna International Centre
always offers a warm welcome
to artists from all over the world
who add special value to
UNIDO
conferences and meetings.
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREEveryday Life at the International Centre
Vienna and the Vienna International Centre
Vienna Tourist Board
Ghafoory
UN plaza with its unique round fountain presents itself as an entree and
welcome area to the VIC. It is known for outdoor gatherings both for leisure
UN staff enjoy immunity at work but are otherwise subject to Austrian law. An and for official ceremonies.
agreement signed by Austria and the UN organisations in 1981 lays down the
rules for duty and tax free sales of goods at the in-house supermarket.
As the vicinity offered little infrastructure in the early days and also because
UN organisations have regular working hours on Austrian public holidays, the
David White
UN city was equipped with its own supermarket, medical centre, restaurants,
hairdressers, a flower shop and other services.
The United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG), one of the most active groups, is
a welfare organisation founded in 1967 by women connected with the UN. Its
purpose is to foster friendship and work for the welfare of children in need.
The UNWG currently has 500 members from 89 countries. Its major activity is
the annual UNWG International Bazaar held at the Austria Center. 25,000 visitors
attended in 2006 and more than 198,000 euro were raised for social projects.
The UNWG Kiosk at the VIC visitors centre is open to the public and sells
handicrafts and gift items for charity. The Guild also runs a book stall and second-
hand store in the IAEA section of the Vienna International Centre.
A. Lyssenko
A. Lyssenko
A. Lyssenko
A. Lyssenko
Impressions from the UNWG Bazaar
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREVienna Service Office
Vienna and the Vienna International Centre
The Vienna Service Office (VSO) is a field office of the City of Vienna
at the Vienna International Centre. It offers prompt and individual
assistance in matters of everyday life and free information for
employees of UN organisations, their families and the staff of missions
to the UN.
As a service centre for the staff it also organises:
• excursions to departments of the City of Vienna such as the Vienna
fire brigade, the ambulance services, and Vienna Public Transport
• the free of charge language course “Learning Your Way in Vienna”
• experts’ days where an expert from a municipal department visits
the VSO for personal appointments to answer questions, for example
about Austrian citizenship
• hospitality afternoons to promote the VSO and bring it closer to
the UN staff
Thomas Horwath
• presentations by experts from the City of Vienna
The Vienna Service Office is open four days a week and run by Angelika Wölfer, who
• the Vienna City Welcome that includes a bus tour of Vienna and also sends out a regular newsletter with the latest information on the City of Vienna
a visit to the City Hall. and the Vienna Service Office.
The VSO was opened on 1 July
1987 and celebrated its 20th
anniversary in 2007 with several
special events, underlining its
Vienna
unique services and long
existence.
Service
Office
The VSO organised an
excursion for UN staff members
to the Landgut Cobenzl, an
organic livestock farm with a COE 14
variety of traditional farm Tel. 26026/4234
e-mail:
animals in Vienna. The viennaserviceoffice@unvienna.org
participants had a tour of the
City of Vienna
Office Hours:
farm and had the possibility to Monday – Thursday
feed the animals, 2008 8.30 a.m. – 1.30 p.m.
Headquarter Strnat & Strnat GesmbH
www.vso.wien.at
VSO_Poster_59,4x168,2cm.indd 2 15.02.2007 16:50:00 Uhr
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Participants at the Vienna City Welcome on the
festival staircase of the Vienna City Hall, 2006
On 27 February 2007 the Vienna Service Office
celebrated its 20th anniversary. More than 300
Thomas Horwath
guests paid a visit and enjoyed a piece of cake
and a glass of champagne.
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTRECo-operation with the City of Vienna
Vienna and the Vienna International Centre
The City of Vienna is proud that so many UN and international
organisations have chosen the city as location for their headquarters.
For many years co-operations and joint projects have given solid proof
of the high appreciation:
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA CIVIL SOCIETY AWARD
The annual UN Vienna Civil Society Award pays tribute to the prominent
and supportive role of the host country of Austria and the City of Vienna
in promoting the work of the United Nations, especially in light of the
UN’s emphasis on strengthening communication and partnerships with
all parts of civil society.
The Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention reaffirms the city’s
role as the United Nations centre for fighting uncivil elements of civil
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society. The award highlights outstanding contributions by civil society
in fighting drug abuse, crime and terrorism and fostering justice and social progress. Since Executive City Councellor for Urban Development, Traffic
and Transport, Rudi Schicker at the ceremony of the
1999, the Award has recognised an array of non-governmental organisations and individuals. UN Vienna Civil Society Award (CSA) 2006
From a volunteer working in the slums of Bangkok to a drug rehabilitation centre in Peru,
the one thing all winners have in common is an unwavering commitment to their communities.
The Award consists of a medal, a certificate, and an annual prize money of 70,000 euros.
UN HABITAT’S BEST PRACTICES HUB IN VIENNA
The Best Practices Hub Vienna is the UN-HABITAT’s Best Practices
Programme’s regional and specialised centre established by the City
of Vienna in 1999. It’s regional focus is on Central and Eastern Europe
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and thematically it focuses on urban environmental technologies
worldwide. It is a joint initiative of the City of Vienna and the United UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan presenting the
UN Vienna CSA, Vienna City Hall, 1999
Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-HABITAT).
UN HABITAT HUB
The objective of the Best Practices Hub in Vienna is to give municipalities
and project operators in the region access to the experiences made
Best Practices Newsletter with the implementation of sustainable urban programmes, which are
then made available as Good or Best Practices in the UN HABITAT database. Every two years,
a prize is awarded to the 10 Best Practices internationally.
Various programmes implemented in Vienna have been recognised as best practices by the
UN, an exhibition on these was shown at the VIC some time ago.
Beyond that there is a
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variety of other internatio-
nal activities set by the Olympic Silver Medal Winner in Swimming Markus
Rogan together with Mayor Michael Häupl and Minister
City of Vienna, such as Ursula Plassnik at the UN Vienna CSA 2004
activities on UN Peace
Day every year.
President of the European's Affairs
Commission of the Vienna City
Council, Elisabeth Vitouch with 60
students from Belgrade, Ljubljana,
Podgorica, Sarajevo, Skopje and
Zagreb together with the
ambassadors of the participating
countries visiting the Vienna City
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Hall on occasion of the Vienna-
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UNIS cooperation project "Uniting
for Peace in Vienna", 2008 UN Peace Day Activities in 2006
UNITED NATIONS VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTREYou can also read
