Vienna International Centre marks its 30th anniversary this year.

Dear Readers and Visitors,

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Vienna International Centre, and on behalf of UNIDO, I am most pleased to thank the city of Vienna and Austria for their hospitality over the last 30 years.

I also take this opportunity to congratulate all involved in the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Vienna International Centre, and above all to recognize the importance of the Centre in moulding Vienna into one of the world’s major hubs of multilateral diplomacy.

Although UNIDO was established in 1966, only with the inauguration of the VIC in 1979 did it find a permanent home.  Since then, its staff and their families and friends, have developed a strong sense of affinity to the city of Vienna. Indeed, many of them now refer to Austria as their second home!

We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with our host country, Austria, in the years ahead and to carrying out our mission working at the VIC. Over the coming months, we will convene both the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Ministerial Conference and the 13th session of our General Conference at the VIC’s new M building. And, while these and other conferences will seek to advance important items on the international development agenda, they also serve to underscore the vital role of the city of Vienna and of the VIC in fostering international understanding, goodwill and cooperation.

Kandeh K. Yumkella
UNIDO Director-General

The Vienna International Centre (VIC) is the home to the United Nations family in Vienna and, along with New York, Geneva and Nairobi, one of four United Nations headquarters worldwide.

The VIC was designed by Austrian architect Johann Staber and today it is commonly referred to by the Viennese as "UNO City." Six years after construction began, on 23 August 1979, VIC was handed over to the United Nations.

Celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the VIC will continue all day Monday August 24, with an Open House where the general public will have a chance to explore the world of the United Nations first-hand.

For more information, please go to:
UNIS website