UN Vienna and the Sustainable Development Goals

06/05/2025

UNODA’s Disarmament Education: new course on “Gender Perspectives on Disarmament”

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), launched a self-paced, free, globally available e-learning course that explores the critical connections between gender and disarmament. It covers the impacts of weapons and conflict, women’s participation in disarmament processes, and the importance of integrating gender in policy. Register for the course here.

08/11/2024

Women as positive forces of change for disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation

Ten women from Latin America and the Caribbean, from diplomats to civil society leaders, share their life experiences and contributions to the world of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation. The podcast series is produced by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affair’s Regional Centre UNLIREC and funded by Canada. You can listen to the podcast series with conversations in English, French and Spanish.

06/11/2024

Advancing Climate Action, strengthening resilience in the South Caucasus

The accelerating impacts of the climate crisis are already being felt in the unique South Caucasus region. Through the United Nations Environment’s project Mountains ADAPT: Advancing Climate Action, work is being undertaken to strengthen the resilience of mountain communities and ecosystems. The project provides small grant funding for community-led, nature-based solutions in the South Caucasus.

24/10/2024

Ciné-ONU Vienna

Inspiring films which highlight the challenges of our time are shown as part of the monthly screenings at the Vienna arthouse cinema Topkino, followed by discussions with experts who consider actions to overcome them, brought together by the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna.

24/10/2024

Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine: investigating violations, promoting accountability and countering impunity

The UN-mandated Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine investigates all alleged violations and abuses of human rights, violations of international humanitarian law and related crimes in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The Commission’s recommendations contribute to measures to redress violations, provide justice and reparation to victims. Information in English and Russian

24/10/2024

Helping developing countries deploy satellites

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency have enabled several countries to become spacefaring nations and launch their own satellites. Through the KiboCUBE programme, research institutions in developing countries have an opportunity to deploy a satellite from the International Space Station.

24/10/2024

Space-based information helps with disaster management and emergency response

The United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) empowers countries to utilise Earth Observation, communications, and navigation satellites to build institutional resilience in all the phases of the disaster management cycle.

24/10/2024

Rays of Hope project bringing cancer care to all

Life-saving treatment such as radiotherapy for people who develop cancer cannot reach all of those in need due to lack of facilities and trained personnel. Through the Rays of Hope initiative, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is intensifying its activities to help countries bring access to cancer care where it is needed most and save lives.

24/10/2024

Small businesses create jobs and contribute to income generation

The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) supports legal standards that make it easier for people to set up micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

24/10/2024

Effectively tackling droughts in the Danube River Basin

With droughts in the river basin becoming more frequent and severe, the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), through collaborative efforts with the countries in the region, is promoting measures to reduce the risks of drought and ensure future droughts are managed as effectively as possible. This will protect the environment and the communities that depend on water for their livelihoods.

24/10/2024

Achieving value for money and avoiding abuses in public procurement

The Model Law on Public Procurement by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) allows States to pursue sustainable policy objectives in the way they purchase goods and services from companies.

24/10/2024

Balancing agriculture and environmental protection from source to sea

The journey of water down the Danube River to the Black Sea, where upstream actions affect downstream ecosystems, highlights the need for balance between agriculture and environmental protection. The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) promotes a source-to-sea approach, encouraging better land management and pollution reduction.

24/10/2024

Improving harvests to feed a growing population in Bangladesh

The agricultural output of Bangladesh is heavily affected by harsh environmental events such as floods, cyclones and storms, increasing the risk of food insecurity. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has collaborated with Bangladesh to use nuclear plant breeding techniques to develop 85 new crop varieties that can survive harsher climates.

24/10/2024

Using nuclear science to conserve water and improve harvests in Namibia

Namibia is one of the driest countries in Africa but through better soil and water management, farmers working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have increased their crop yields by up to 70 per cent for crops like maize, tomatoes and peppers.

24/10/2024

Education means empowerment

With its teaching materials, the United Nations Refugee Agency UNHCR Austria promotes inclusion, awareness and access to quality education for young people in Austria from all backgrounds. Read more (in German)

24/10/2024

United Nations Committee assesses radiation exposure and effects

The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) reports on the exposure of people to radiation worldwide. UNSCEAR's surveys on medical and occupational exposures contribute to safer medical and working practices.

24/10/2024

Using space technology for effective water resource management

Space technology can help monitor surface water for precision farming, monitor drought conditions and ensure effective water resource management. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) runs the Space4Water platform which connects experts in the use of space technology for water management.

24/10/2024

Sustainable development interactive tour 

Teachers can help young people between 10 and 18 years learn about the Sustainable Development Goals by booking an interactive guided tour of the UN in Vienna.  

24/10/2024

Protecting the sturgeon and river biodiversity in the Danube

Sturgeons, the flagship species of the Danube River, are gravely endangered due to habitat loss, overfishing and river alterations. Various efforts are underway to protect and restore sturgeon populations. The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) is deeply committed to ensuring the survival of these ancient fish and maintaining the biodiversity of the river basin.

24/10/2024

Promoting a culture of peace and disarmament to make the world safer

To provide knowledge and skills on disarmament and non-proliferation, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in Vienna offers a range of courses via its interactive online learning platform, the Disarmament Education dashboard to empower people to contribute to a culture of peace and make the world safer.

24/10/2024

Space for women

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) runs the Space4Women project to ensure that women and girls play an active and equal role in space science, technology, innovation, and exploration and that the benefits of space reach everyone. The project encourages the uptake of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and provides a toolkit for mainstreaming gender within the space sector.

24/10/2024

UNCITRAL Legislative Guide on Insolvency Law

When a company faces financial distress, timely action can help save jobs. The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) standards address the conduct of directors in the period approaching, and during, insolvency and provide incentives to act effectively.

24/10/2024

Space technologies can benefit global health

Space science, technology and related applications can offer innovative solutions to address various health challenges on Earth. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) connects health professionals worldwide with space technologies to help control the spread of infectious diseases and improve public health services.

17/10/2024

Supporting efforts to improve food security

Endorsed by the African Group and spearheaded by the Permanent Mission of Sudan, the Group of Friends of Food Security in Vienna aims to enhance efforts in tackling food insecurity. Conflicts, climate change, water stress, and population growth all exacerbate food insecurity and the Group will support the efforts of Vienna-based Organizations including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), to improve food security, particularly in the global South.

16/10/2024

Supporting industrial development in Eastern Europe

Industry has a critical role to play in driving economic growth, innovation and job creation and advancing sustainable development. The Industrial Development Report for Eastern Europe, published by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) sets out how a new era of sustainable industrial policies can promote industrialization and innovation in the region.

14/10/2024

Safely managing hazardous electronic waste in the Philippines

The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has been working in the Philippines to reduce the harmful pollutants through the responsible disposal of electronic waste. This helps to safeguard public health and protect the environment.

09/09/2024

Benefits of space technology for agriculture

Using remote sensing technology or optical satellite imagery, farmers and ranchers in the Western United States can more easily monitor the scare water resources in their region and ensure adequate availability of water for their livestock.

04/09/2024

Innovative solutions for sustainable economic development

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) provides innovative solutions to achieve sustainable economic and industrial development. UNIDO works towards a world without poverty and hunger, where industry drives low-emission economies, improves living standards, and preserves the livable environment for present and future generations, leaving no one behind.

29/08/2024

Young leaders present their vision for a world without nuclear weapons

Young leaders from 37 countries travelled to Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan to meet survivors of the atomic bombings and experts to learn about nuclear disarmament as part of the Youth Leader Fund, managed by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, including its Vienna Office, and supported by Japan. Read their Declaration for a World Without Nuclear Weapons, or simply “DeclarACTION" and visit the project page.

19/08/2024

From poppy fields to coffee plantations: a farmer's journey of transformation in Myanmar

Poppy farmers in Myanmar are now growing coffee helped by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s alternative development initiative. This enables her to have financial stability and a brighter future for her children.

06/08/2024

Seismic shift: CTBTO's data key to rapid tsunami alerts

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization's global monitoring system is designed to detect nuclear test explosions worldwide but it also identifies earthquakes and other seismic events that could trigger tsunamis. The data allows countries to issue more timely and accurate public alerts which can save lives and mitigate the impact of natural disasters.

02/08/2024

Protecting the natural treasures of Peru’s Amazon

Peru’s Amazonian rainforest faces a serious threat from deforestation and illegal logging. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is working to combat the organized crime groups that exploit natural resources illegally, leading to environmental destruction and social instability.

28/06/2024

Promoting peace and partnerships through street art at the United Nations in Vienna

The giant mural "Woman with Dove - Shaping Our Common Future" by the Australian artist Fintan Magee stands as a symbol for the fulfilment of all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna worked with the Calle Libre Street Art Festival and other partners to make the painting happen.

24/06/2024

Beyond nuclear test detection: CTBTO and Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption

The eruption of a volcano in the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire in 2022 had a global sonic impact which was picked up by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization's International Monitoring System. The data gathered, supports research in climate change, disaster resilience, and risk management, the CTBTO can help address global challenges and drive sustainable development efforts worldwide. 

24/06/2024

Women working on infrastructure projects are helping to change our cityscapes

Working on construction projects with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has had its challenges for civil engineer Besa Ajvazi, but has also been very rewarding. She is currently working on the new building of the faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Pristina.

05/06/2024

School pupils lay out their vision for a greener city

In a mock conference organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) a group of children from Vienna looked at urban planning and came up with ideas for how to breathe new life into the city, ranging from calls to green roofs with edible fruits to expanding Vienna’s parks.

04/06/2024

Helping women entrepreneurs in Tunisia to flourish

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is empowering businesswomen in the north African country to market their natural cosmetics and gain access to international markets and increase their competitiveness.

14/05/2024

Sustainable Energy for All and World Food Programme launch partnership to accelerate a clean cooking transition in schools in Africa

By bringing clean and efficient cooking solutions to schools in Africa, Sustainable Energy for All and the World Food Programme are helping them shift away from polluting and harmful cooking methods currently used for preparing student meals.

07/05/2024

First 3D-printed prosthetic fitting in Ukraine achieved with support from UNIDO

The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is working on an innovative initiative to revolutionize prosthetic manufacturing and enhance job opportunities in Ukraine. Using 3d printing technology, prosthetics can be produced which can significantly impact on the lives of those who need them.

30/04/2024

Young people in India actively promoting peace and lawfulness

Girls and boys in India are learning how to advocate for peace, justice and inclusivity through education with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC)’s RiseUp4Peace initiative. The programme spreads awareness through educators to young people about the importance of peace, justice and the rule of law.

17 Goals to transform our world

17 Goals to transform our world

Watch our film to see how the United Nations family in Vienna are working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Climate Change

UN in General

Peace and Security