A special moment for the UN DIN VIC: During the Zero Project ZeroConf26, we had the opportunity to meet Ms. Korinna Schumann the Federal Minister of Bundesministerium für Arbeit, Soziales, Gesundheit, Pflege und Konsumentenschutz.

Our network represents colleagues with disabilities, and our connection to Austria– our host country – is central to our mission. Vienna, which was named Europe’s most accessible city in 2025, offers a strong foundation for inclusive living and working. But accessibility is an ongoing process, and progress depends on strong partnerships.

That’s why this exchange is so important. Access to inclusive schools, medical and therapeutic services, and responsive authorities directly shapes the everyday lives of colleagues with disabilities. Strengthening these connections helps to ensure that Vienna remains a place where all people can fully participate.

We look forward to continuing this dialogue and working together to further advance accessibilty and inclusion of people affected by disabilities in the UN community and in the city we call home.

Last week, during Zero Projects #ZeroConf26 at the Vienna International Centre, the UN DIN VIC welcomed high-level representatives from Vienna-based organizations to its booth.

The visitors included Acting DG/ED UNOV/UNODC, Mr John Brandolino, DDG UNIDO, Mr Yasunaga, ES Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization – CTBTO, Robert Floyd, and DG International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi.

Their engagement highlighted the ongoing efforts to create a workplace that is supportive and accessible for colleagues with disabilities. During the discussions, DIN outlined several pressing challenges, including the need for adequate schooling capacity for children of staff members with disabilities—particularly in light of the ongoing relocation of colleagues from other UN headquarters to Vienna. Accessibility concerns, such as the need for an elevator at the U-Bahn station adjacent to the VIC main entrance, were also raised.

The leadership’s openness and attention to these issues demonstrate a continued commitment to our common cause. Together, we move closer to a truly supportive UN workplace.

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