United Nations

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna offers workshops for teachers in Austria on how to teach children about Human Rights and sustainable development and empower them to be agents of positive change in their communities. The workshops are in partnership with the University College for Teacher Education in Vienna, Burgenland, the Austrian Center for Peace and the UNHCR Office in Austria.

A colony of pygmy blue whales in the Indian Ocean that had defied discovery for many years despite their massive size, was revealed in extensive recordings by the International Monitoring System set up the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization to detect nuclear test explosions. The system also serves as a valuable resource to deepen our understanding of the natural world and contributes to protecting life below water.

With the number of women prisoners increasing, it is important to ensure their needs are met. In a male-dominated world, women prison officers are making a difference. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) works closely with Member States to integrate gender considerations in penal and prison programmes and to create a more humane effective correctional system.

Medicines containing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are essential for pain relief, anaesthesia as well as treatment of mental health and neurological conditions but may be misused, posing a risk to health and wellbeing. The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) works with governments to ensure adequate supplies for patients, including during emergencies. INCB also manages a system for licit international trade in these substances and precursor chemicals.