For information only - not an official document
UNIS/VIC/233
13 May 2020
VIENNA, 13 May (UN Information Service) - From Friday 15 May, we will begin our announced phased return to the Vienna International Centre (VIC), a long-awaited move that will be gradual and cautious, with the health and well-being of all at the VIC remaining the top priority.
Since Monday 16 March, the vast majority of you have worked remotely. Others have secured and maintained the VIC. Many of you have juggled your work with home-schooling for your children. Many have faced other challenges. Yet throughout not only have we maintained normal operations we have added new tasks to help people cope with the emergency.
Allow us again to express appreciation for your efforts in these difficult times. We offer condolences to those of you from our global community who have lost loved ones or suffered in other ways in this human crisis.
We know this remains an anxious, unpredictable time and understand that some of you may have concerns about returning to the VIC.
As you know, our Host Country has begun to ease restrictions on movement and the economy, while emphasizing the need for caution because, while the figures are encouraging, the pandemic is far from over.
Throughout, we have coordinated with the Austrian authorities and adhered to their regulations and guidelines. This means we too can begin a gradual return to the VIC, starting with limited numbers and building up as conditions and medical advice allow. Many of you will continue to work remotely for the time being. Stringent measures have been put in place at the VIC to keep everyone as safe as possible. The full plan we have approved will be available to you online.
Each organization has its own particular mission and operational needs, including as we return. Yet we remain united by the determination to work together to support each other, help Member States overcome this crisis and build back better, using the Sustainable Development Goals as our blueprint for action across the world.
We salute you for your commitment and flexibility during these challenging times. We look to all of you, wherever you will be working, to continue in that same collegial, innovative and productive spirit as we embark on a new way of operating in familiar surroundings. Thank you.
With gratitude,
Ghada Waly, Designated Official for Austria, Director-General/Executive Director, United Nations Office at Vienna/United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency
LI Yong, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organization
Lassina Zerbo, Executive Secretary, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
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For further information, please contact:
Martin
Nesirky
Director, UNIS Vienna
Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-5676
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5676
Email: martin.nesirky[at]un.org
Follow @UN_Vienna on Twitter for updates
