UNIS/VIC/121
14 October 2004
Open House Day in the Vienna International Centre
VIENNA, 14 October (UN Information Service) -- On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, the Vienna International Centre (VIC) will host an Open House Day on 26 October, from 10:00 hours to 18:00 hours.
A varied programme of information and entertainment will provide visitors with an insight into the fascinating world of the United Nations. Exhibitions, films and presentations will inform about the work of the Organizations based in the VIC. The spectrum of topics ranges from drug control and crime prevention to the peaceful uses of outer space; from industrial development to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and banning nuclear weapons tests; from helping refugees to international trade law, and the protection of the environment in the Danube basin and the Carpathian regions.
An exhibit by the City of Vienna titled 25 years Vienna International Centre will provide an overview of the history of the VIC. The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will introduce plans for a new conference building, and a presentation by the Ministry of Defence will feature Austria’s participation and role in UN peacekeeping. In a display organized by the Ministry of Interior, a police dog unit will demonstrate a drugs- and explosives detection mission. As the VIC’s host district, the 22nd district of the city of Vienna will join in the celebrations with an exhibition. The district celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Timna Brauer and other international musicians, as well as the local St. George brass band will provide musical entertainment throughout the day. Sports fans can look forward to meeting Austria’s Olympic gold medallist sailors Roman Hagara and Hans Peter Steinacher. UN stamps, coins and souvenirs will be on sale at the Visitor Centre, where the “UN Café”, a hairdressing salon and a flower shop will also be open. The Austrian artist hansi dietrich will hold a creative fundraising event for the benefit of a water-well-drilling project in Ethiopia.
The VIC cafeteria will offer visitors a culinary smorgasbord with international cuisine, hot and cold snacks and desserts.
The range of activities through the day are aimed at highlighting the diversity of the work of the VIC-based Organizations. With its colourful, international flair, the VIC Open House Day will make for a memorable experience for all visitors.
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For further information:
Sonja Wintersberger
E-mail: sonja.wintersberger@unvienna.org
For media-related queries:
Jaya Mohan
E-mail: jaya.mohan@unvienna.org
Phone: 0664 830 3867
