The new agreement does not cover social security issues, for which the United Nations and Austria will soon negotiate a new agreement. During the Cold War, Austria already served as a platform for international dialogue, supported by its geopolitical position and neutral status. This position was reinforced by the opening of the Vienna International Centre (VIC) in 1979. Since then, Vienna has been the seat of the United Nations (UN) alongside New York, Geneva and later Nairobi. I have always heard from colleagues working in Vienna that the conditions given to them by the Austrian government were particularly favourable as many of them decided to continue living in Austria after their retirement. I think this is the best recognition we can give back to the fantastic hospitality of our host city and our host country. International sector conference activities are increasing year after year. In 2018, more than 10,000 conference days were counted, representing a growth of 12.45% in 2016-18. International conferences rely heavily on the efficient industry of Viennese congresses. In 2019, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in Vienna took second place in terms of the number of international congresses. Vienna, together with Paris and Barcelona, is one of the most important international convention venues in the world. After the signing of the agreements, Mr DE MARIA Y CAMPOS said that the new agreement came at a very opportune time for UNIDO, which underestimates the importance that the Austrian government attaches to the organization. He also concluded a critical reform process within the organization, which was now ready for the year 2000, he said.
In addition, the agreement contains Austria`s offer to make free access to the United Nations for the use of meeting facilities at the Austrian International Centre in Vienna. Another novelty is the provision that the Director General of the United Nations Office in Vienna or uniDO can immediately inform and send an official to contact the detainee and, if necessary, provide legal or medical assistance. In the past, the organization has sometimes learned of an employee`s arrest only through media reports. I would like to thank once again the Austrian people and the Viennese for their wonderful hospitality and support. Vienna is one of the world`s leading headquarters for international organizations (IOs), with a focus on promoting peace, security, sustainable development, the fight against organized crime, drug addiction, corruption and terrorism. The focus is also on disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The texts of the new agreements were signed this morning at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Giorgio Giacomelli, Director-General of UNOV, Mauricio de Maria y Campos, Director General of UNIDO, and Austrian Foreign Minister Wolfgang Schassel.
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