Director-General/Executive Director
Dear Mayor Ludwig,
Dear Heads of VBOs,
Dear friends,
Excellencies,
I am honoured to be with you today in this beautiful hall.
This magnificent building, constructed over a century ago, is more than just a seat of governance, it is a symbol of Vienna’s rich and layered history.
So, this is a very special place, and I can’t think of a more fitting venue for bringing us all together.
It was here, in 2019, that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Vienna International Centre.
And it was here that the former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, signed with you Mr. Mayor the City of Vienna’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Today, we are reaffirming that commitment when it is needed more than ever before.
Because time is running out.
We have just five years left to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals.
And we are still far behind in achieving them, and we are facing huge challenges.
So, this ceremony comes at the right time, at the right place.
For centuries, Vienna has stood at the crossroads of European ideas, cultures, and traditions.
I still fondly remember the tour of Vienna you arranged for me, Mr. Mayor, in my first year here, and seeing how every street, every building, and every corner tells a piece of Vienna’s story, of its past and of its future.
And today that future is being shaped, in no small part, by your leadership and vision, Mr. Mayor.
Under your watch, this city has balanced tradition and modernization.
You have championed sustainable urban development projects, invested in affordable, green transport, and advanced renewable energy initiatives.
It is no surprise that Vienna has consistently ranked as one of – if not the most – livable city in the world.
You have also been a close friend of the UN, supporting the work of the Vienna-based Organizations who are all here today, and on behalf of my colleagues I thank you for being a wonderful host.
This city has witnessed significant milestones, such as the signing of the Vienna Declaration on Human Rights and the UN Convention against Corruption.
And last year, thanks to the support of the City of Vienna, we completed the city’s largest mural on the walls of the VIC.
Through these milestones and beyond, Austria has consistently demonstrated its commitment to multilateralism.
The VIC has in turn raised Vienna’s profile on the international scene.
It attracts over 50,000 visitors every year, contributes meaningfully to Austria’s economy, and welcomes thousands of delegates to conferences, exhibitions, and high-level negotiations.
And this year is particularly special, as we celebrate 70 years of Austria’s membership in the UN and 80 years of the UN’s founding.
These anniversaries remind us of the enduring bond between us, as well as Austria’s rich diplomatic heritage.
They remind us in particular of Vienna’s unique role as a bridge-builder, providing a space where countries can come together, set aside their differences and find common solutions.
That’s why we often refer to the Vienna spirit in our work – because it is here that we turn compromise into consensus and ambition into action.
And action is exactly what the world needs right now.
Multilateralism is under immense pressure.
Too many countries are stepping back when they should be stepping up.
We must work together, push harder, be bolder, and invest in meaningful, sustainable change, so that no one is left behind.
That’s why today’s ceremony matters.
It’s an opportunity to commit, not just to words on a page, but to action, for peace, for security, for rule of law.
So, let’s work together to make the next five years count.
Thank you.
