Today, we had the honor of welcoming DG/ED Ghada Waly (United Nations / UNODC), who signed the soccer ball – the symbol of our summer camp pilot project for kids with disabilities. We extend our gratitude to her for mentioning our network in her opening speech. This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue supporting individuals affected by disabilities in their workplaces.
A huge thank you to the organizers of Zero Projects Zero Conference 2025 for creating such a successful event and for giving us the opportunity to represent international civil servants with disabilities.
We eagerly anticipate tomorrow’s fireside chat, where we will discuss our network and the League Rijk of Extraordinary People from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Don’t miss it!
We are pleased to share that, following our recent elections, the UN DIN VIC has formed a new Executive Committee!
🌍 Meet the team:
🔹 President: Sotirios Markopoulos (CTBTO)
🔹 Vice-President: Aleksandra (Ola) Leszczynska (IAEA)
🔹 Secretary: Valerie Thiele (UNOV)
🔹 Treasurer: Val Ierubino (CTBTO)
🔹 Chair of the Events Steering Group: Sahar Tabbal (UNOV)
🔹 Chair of the Schooling Steering Group: Evangelos Dellis (CTBTO)
Together, we remain committed to advocating for accessibility and a barrier-free work environment within the UN. We look forward to continuing our efforts in collaboration with our colleagues and partners.
Celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the Vienna International Centre
Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting two incredible events to mark the #InternationalDayofPersonswithDisabilities.
The main celebration in the Rotunda featured powerful speeches from:
DG Gerd Müller (UNIDO)
DG Rafael Mariano Grossi (IAEA – video message)
ES Robert Floyd (CTBTO – video message)
H.E. Ambassador Peter Potman (Zero Projects Ambassadors Circle)
Anne Kemppainen (Head of UN Section, Delegation of the EU)
SG Martin Fritz (Austrian Commission for UNESCO)
Director Ann de la Roche (UNOV)
Director Martin Nesirky (UNIS)
Prof. Erich Schmid (Vice President, Österreichischer Behindertenrat)
Sotirios Markopoulos (Vice President, UN Disability Inclusion Network)
Musical performances by Xenia Zeiler and Brani Zunami Zdravkovic added a wonderful touch to the event.
Earlier in the day, we hosted a roundtable showcasing success stories of Disability Inclusion in the workplace with Aliénor VAPPEREAU, Wadzanai Garwe, Robin Schmied Kowarzik, Prof. Erich Schmid, Anna Königseder, Franz-Joseph Huainigg, Christian Schinko, Hannes Hofer, Monika Haider, Mariette Adlbrecht, Atilla Gum, Sanne Ooms, and distinguished guests including Ambassadors from the UK, Spain, and Austria.
Special thanks to the staff councils of CTBTO, IAEA, UNIDO, and UNOV for sponsoring refreshments and to the Austrian Commission for UNESCO for sponsoring sign language interpretation. Huge appreciation to Sahar Tabbal (UNOV), Aleksandra (Ola) Leszczynska (IAEA), Sanja Komadina (UNIDO), and Sotirios Markopoulos (CTBTO) for making this event possible.
Together, we continue to remove barriers and promote Disability Inclusion in all spheres of life. Thank you to everyone for your support!
Yesterday, on 24th of September, the UN DIN VIC hosted a pivotal conference on #ADHD and #Autism at the United Nations Office in Vienna, with Dr. Khurram Saadiq sharing valuable insights on fostering a more inclusive mental health environment. The session sparked rich conversations, challenging misconceptions and exploring ways to support #neurodivergent individuals. The event, followed by a dynamic Q&A and networking, marked another milestone in DIN’s mission to raise global awareness of neurodiversity. We are excited to continue driving these essential discussions forward.
Thank you to all who made it a success!
Yesterday, the UN DIN VIC hosted a half-day workshop on disability and inclusion at the VIC in Vienna. The event was moderated by FICSA President Wadzanai Garwe and UN-DIN Vice President Sotirios Markopoulos. We were honored to have participants from other organizations, including Kateryna Rogovska, Chair of the OSCE Staff Association, and Charles Forrest from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Members of the UN Disability Inclusion Network shared their experiences in Vienna regarding disability-related issues.
The workshop provided a valuable platform for open dialogue on the workplace challenges faced by UN staff with disabilities or those with dependents who have disabilities.
Thank you to all who participated and contributed to this important conversation. Your insights are crucial to our ongoing efforts to foster a truly inclusive UN system!
Today, the UN DIN VIC at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) hosted an enlightening event on #Braille. Ms. Aliénor VAPPEREAU, 1st Secretary at the French Embassy, shared her experiences with blindness and the importance of the Braille alphabet. Accompanied by her #guidedog, Olips, she provided unique insights into navigating the world without sight.
The session highlighted Braille’s crucial role in communication and independence for blind individuals. It also touched on the European Union’s agenda for inclusion and diversity and the Zero Project’s global efforts to remove barriers for people with disabilities.
Thank you to Dennis Thatchaichawalit, Martin Nesirky, Delphine Hournau-Pouëzat, Anne Kemppainen, Robin Tim Weis, Erich Schmied, Aliénor VAPPEREAU, Sotirios Markopoulos for the speeches, Sahar Tabbal for organizing and the moderation of the event, and everyone who joined us in promoting inclusivity and understanding in the workplace! 💬🤝✨
Yesterday, the UN DIN VIC at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) hosted an insightful event on disability and inclusive workplaces. The session featured an introduction to Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS) by Atilla Gum and other disability experts.
DIN members moderated the event, with the vice president Sotirios Markopoulos introducing the network’s work. Panellists emphasized the importance of effective communication and the challenges faced by individuals navigating communication barriers. Atilla Gum shared his personal experiences, highlighting the need for awareness and understanding to foster an inclusive environment. Attendees also enjoyed a short lesson on #AustrianSignLanguage, gaining valuable skills to better support their colleagues.
This event was a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and understanding within the workplace. Thank you to Sahar Tabbal for organizing the event and to Atilla Gum, Martin Nesirky (UNIS Vienna), Robin Schmied-Kowarzik (Sozialministerium Österreich), Martin Fritz (Austrian Commission for UNESCO), Anna Königseder (Zero Project), Barbara Schuster (Kinderhände), Markus Simbeni and Monika Haider (equalizent Wien), who participated and made this event a success!
🌟 The past seven days have been a whirlwind of excitement for the UN DIN VIC! 🌟
We had the privilege of hosting distinguished guests at the #zerocon24 event at our booth — they all graced us with their presence!
But that’s not all! 🎉 We’re thrilled to announce that the UN DIN VIC was invited on Tuesday afternoon to introduce itself via Zoom at the 77th FICSA – Federation of International Civil Servants’ Associations conference in the beautiful city of #bern, Switzerland! We shared our insights, experiences, and visions related to #disabilityinclusion. 🌐
A heartfelt shoutout to everyone who supports our mission! Together, we’re breaking barriers, fostering understanding, and championing #disabilityinclusion. 🙌
First day of the
#zerocon24.
We are here, with the UN DIN
VIC
🎉 meeting incredible people and outstanding solutions for
#peoplewithdisabilities.
Thank you Ms Waly (DG/ED UNOV/UNODC) for your continuous support 🙏
#disability
#champions
#unodc
#unov
🌟 Exciting news! 🌟
Wiener Linien has agreed to keep the walkway between Ubahnstation VIC
and the VIC entrance (Gate 1) snow-free this winter, vital for those
with walking disabilities. Huge thanks to Wiener Linien for their
commitment to inclusivity and accessibility! 👏❄️
#Accessibility
#WienerLinien
#VICAccess
UN DIN 