#Disability acceptance and support in our Workplace: A Conversation at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Staff Council

Last Friday, the #IAEAStaffCouncil hosted the UN DIN VIC for a Coffee Morning focused on supporting colleagues living with disabilities or caring for family members with additional needs.

The event was opened by Daniela Panzenböck, IAEA Staff Council President, who welcomed participants and introduced the panelists: Sotirios Markopoulos (DIN President, CTBTO), Aleksandra (Ola) Leszczynska (DIN Vice-President, IAEA), Val Ierubino (DIN Treasurer, CTBTO), Carmina Jimenez Velasco (Former Chair, DIN Activities Steering Group, IAEA), and Evangelos Dellis (Chair, DIN Schooling Steering Group, CTBTO).

Sotirios opened the discussion, emphasizing that DIN is a collaborative effort across Vienna-based UN organizations, fostering understanding and connection.

Aleksandra shared her personal experience: “Acceptance of what’s beyond your control makes you a free person. Don’t be afraid to ask for help — DIN is here to make the path easier for everyone.”

Carmina shared that at its heart, DIN is about healing, wellbeing, and togetherness. No one should feel isolated. “Sharing our experiences helps us move forward together — and navigate this challenging journey.”

Evangelos discussed efforts to make the Vienna International School (VIS) more inclusive, including the goal of guaranteed places for all VBO children, eliminating waiting lists.

Val highlighted DIN’s work on accessibility and peer support across the VIC: “No one should feel left behind.”

The session reminded us that inclusion begins with each of us — through understanding, empathy, and support.

A big thank you to the IAEA Staff Council for hosting this event and supporting DIN’s mission!

For more information or to contact the Network: office@undin.org.

#UNDIN #UNVIC #IAEAStaffCouncil #DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility #PeerSupport

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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International Day of Persons With Disabilities 2025 at the Vienna International Centre

Yesterday, we gathered at the Vienna International Centre, the UN Headquarters in Vienna, for a meaningful event organized by the UN Disability Inclusion Network (UN DIN VIC). The event was an example of our collective commitment to disability inclusion and featured inspiring speakers from various entities.

Key Highlights:
Opening Address by Sotirios Markopoulos, President of DIN, highlighting the challenges faced by staff affected by disabilities and emphasizing that the DIN, with the support of its allies at all VBOs, will continue to advocate and support them.
Ambassador Peter Potman, representing the Zero Project Ambassadors Circle, shared insights into the work of the Circle and the contributions of the Dutch embassy in the area of Disability Inclusion.
Maria Cleofe Natividad, Secretary of the Policy Making Organs, conveyed the greetings of DG Rafael Grossi and discussed the activities of the IAEA in promoting Disability Inclusion.
Ann de la Roche, Chief of HRMS at UNOV/UNODC, described all the efforts made by UN Vienna and the ongoing implementation of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy.
Micheal Conneely, Director of HR, UNIDO, spoke about Disability Inclusion at UNIDO and the various projects UNIDO is leading worldwide.
Emma Webb, Chief of Cabinet, CTBTO, highlighted that the CTBTO is not only building a supportive workplace but is also planning concrete steps to provide necessary resources for persons with disabilities to thrive.

The event concluded with a joyful musical performance by Laura Rambossek and Dominic Rapcic from the Wiener Konzerthausgesellschaft, adding a vibrant touch of celebration to our gathering. It was followed by a coffee break, sponsored by the #staffcouncils of the main VBOs.

Thank you to all our speakers, attendees, and partners for making this event a resounding success!

#Disability #UNVIENNA #DINEvent #InclusiveWorkplace #VIC

Photo Credit: CTBTO Public Information / Pablo Mehlhorn

Today, Dr Khurram Saadiq shared his personal and professional experience of #Autism and #ADHD (#AuDHD) with over 100 participants at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria.

Opening remarks were delivered by UK Ambassador, Corinne Kitsell.

Staff from all UN organizations in Vienna attended the event organized by the UN DIN VIC.

Dr Sadiq discussed the difficulties faced by neurodiverse people in the workplace but also focused on the benefits they bring.

Photo credit: Aleksandra (Ola) Leszczynska, CTBTO PI Section Pablo Mehlhorn

Neurodiversity Week at Vienna International School – A Meaningful Collaboration

On 18 March, the UN DIN VIC had the honor of partnering with Vienna International School to celebrate its Neurodiversity Week. Evangelos Dellis (Chair of Schooling, DIN) and Sotirios Markopoulos (President, DIN) led an insightful panel discussion in the Aula of the VIS.

The session focused on disability inclusion within the UN system, celebrated success stories of individuals with disabilities, and examined the role of disabilities within the school environment.

We were truly impressed by the VIS students’ active engagement, thoughtful questions, and genuine enthusiasm throughout the event. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Learning Support team and Maria Balamoti for their hospitality and cooperation during this meaningful week.

#NeurodiversityWeek #DisabilityInclusion #VIS #UN #Collaboration #LearningTogether

On the final day of #ZeroCon25, we were pleased to welcome the Chief of Cabinet of UNIDO Manuel Mattiat to our booth!

We had valuable discussions on disability-related matters at the VIC and our collaboration with UNIDO on their successful showcases at #ZeroCon25, which were done in partnership with Zero Project.

Thank you for your continued support in promoting accessibility and disability inclusion in the workplace!

#Accessibility #ZeroCon25 #Disability

Wrapping Up #ZeroCon25 with an Inspiring Visit!

On the final day of #ZeroCon25, we had the honor of welcoming DG of IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, to our booth. He engaged with us on the key challenges and opportunities in Disability Inclusion and signed our symbolic football, representing our summer camp pilot project for children with disabilities.

We were also thrilled to host Deputy Director of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Margaret Doane, whose visit further reinforced the importance of inclusion and accessibility. Their support strengthens our commitment to creating a more inclusive world.

#Inclusion #Accessibility #ZeroCon25

On the second day of #ZeroCon25, we had the honor of welcoming ES Robert Floyd (CTBTO) and his wife to our booth. Dr. Floyd signed our soccer ball, representing the summer camp pilot project for children with disabilities. His words on the importance of continuing efforts toward inclusivity were truly inspiring for all of us!

Additionally, the DIN President, Sotirios Markopoulos, participated in a Zero Project fireside chat with Christof Alexander Ephraim, where they discussed the UN DIN VIC and the League Rijk.

In the afternoon, we had a productive and engaging meeting between the UN DIN VIC and the League Rijk, where we explored exciting opportunities for collaboration.

Photo credit: CTBTO public information service (Pablo Mehlhorn), DIN