Austria's United Nations Membership: Explained

Austria has been a member of the United Nations since 14 December 1955, when it became the 70th member of the organisation. The country has established itself as an engaged member state, advocating for a strong and efficient UN and actively participating in its work. Austria has been a strong advocate for effective multilateralism, international dialogue, and a UN that is fit for the 21st century. The country has also been a key contributor to the development of international law, with the Vienna Conventions being a notable example. Austria's commitment to the UN is reflected in its regular contributions to peacekeeping operations, with approximately 50,000 Austrians serving in various roles worldwide.

Austria joined the UN in 1955

Austria became a member of the United Nations on the 14th of December 1955, six months after it regained its full independence. Austria was the UN's 70th member state and has since established itself as an engaged member, contributing actively to the organisation's work.

Austria's commitment to the UN is reflected in its provision of the largest number of troops for peacekeeping operations. Approximately 50,000 Austrians have served in over 50 UN peacekeeping missions worldwide as soldiers, military observers, policemen, and civilian experts. Austria contributed over 20 million euros to the UN's annual budget in 2019.

Austria's priorities within the UN include peacekeeping, conflict prevention, human rights, disarmament, arms control, non-proliferation, combating crime and drugs, sustainable development, and strengthening international law. Austria has been a strong advocate for effective multilateralism, international dialogue, and a UN that is fit for the 21st century.

Austria has been an active participant in the UN's work, with Austrians holding numerous leadership positions. The country has been elected thrice to the Security Council, twice to the UN Human Rights Council, and once to the Presidency of the UN Security Council in 2009. Additionally, from 1972 to 1981, Kurt Waldheim served as UN Secretary-General.

Austria's engagement with the UN has been instrumental in increasing the organisation's focus on human rights, the protection of civilians (especially women and children) in armed conflict, and the fight against impunity. Through its active, fair, and principled participation, Austria enjoys a high profile at the UN and has gained broad recognition and support for its priorities.

Vienna is a UN headquarters

Austria has been a member of the United Nations since 14 December 1955, when it became the 70th member of the organisation. The country has established itself as an engaged member state, advocating for a strong and efficient UN and actively participating in its work. Austria has been elected to the UN Security Council three times and twice to the UN Human Rights Council.

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is home to one of the four major United Nations Office sites worldwide. The United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) was established on 1 January 1980 and was the third UN headquarters to be created, after New York and Geneva, and before Nairobi. The office complex is part of the Vienna International Centre, which is informally called "UNO City".

Numerous different UN agencies have a joint presence at the Vienna International Centre. These include the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Narcotics Control Board, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, among others. The United Nations Library in Vienna is also located within the complex, providing library and information services to staff of United Nations units based in the city.

The Vienna headquarters has become an important centre for addressing global security challenges and contemporary issues such as nuclear safety, the fight against organised crime, and sustainability with a focus on energy and development. It is recognised as a venue for international meetings and has helped elevate Austria's profile within the UN.

Austria's UN priorities

Austria joined the United Nations Organisation (UN) on the 14th of December 1955 as its 70th member. Since then, it has established itself as an engaged member state, advocating for a strong and efficient UN and actively participating in its work.

Austria's priorities within the UN are diverse and wide-ranging, reflecting its commitment to the organisation's objectives and principles. Here are some key areas of focus for Austria within the UN:

Peacekeeping and Conflict Prevention:

Austria has contributed approximately 50,000-60,000 troops to UN peacekeeping operations, making it one of the largest troop contributors. It emphasises the importance of peace, security, and conflict prevention, particularly the protection of civilians, especially women and children, in armed conflict.

Human Rights and the Rule of Law:

Strengthening human rights and the rule of law is central to Austria's UN activities. It has played a significant role in increasing the UN's focus on these issues and has secured broad recognition and support within the UN Security Council. Austria has also contributed to the development of international law through the "Vienna Conventions".

Disarmament and Non-Proliferation:

Austria supports continued disarmament and non-proliferation efforts, including the ban of cluster munitions and landmines. It actively participates in negotiations and resolutions related to arms control and non-proliferation.

Sustainable Development and Environment:

Austria is committed to sustainable development, both domestically and globally. It supports Agenda 2030, pledging to address complex challenges such as poverty and climate change. Additionally, it prioritises development cooperation with partner countries, with a focus on economic, environmental, and humanitarian issues.

Fight Against Drugs and Organised Crime:

Combating drug trafficking and organised crime is a priority for Austria. It sees the UN as an important platform to address these issues and has contributed to relevant UN bodies and initiatives.

Humanitarian Assistance and Climate Change:

Austria prioritises humanitarian assistance and is committed to addressing climate change. It recognises the importance of global cooperation in tackling these pressing issues.

Reform of the United Nations:

As Vienna hosts one of the four UN headquarters, Austria feels a particular attachment to the ongoing reform of the UN. It aims to improve the working methods of the UN Security Council and strengthen the rule of law within the organisation.

Austria's active and principled engagement within the UN has earned it a high profile and recognition in various forms, including elections to the Security Council and the UN Human Rights Council.

Austrians in leadership positions

Austria has been a member of the United Nations since 14 December 1955 and has established itself as an engaged member state. The country has held numerous leadership positions within the UN, including the following:

Kurt Waldheim, UN Secretary-General

From 1972 to 1981, Austrian Kurt Waldheim served as Secretary-General of the United Nations. Waldheim's tenure saw the organisation's continued focus on international norm-setting and operational experience, positioning the UN as a natural centre for multilateral cooperation.

Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information

Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal served as the UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information from 2012 to 2014. In this role, he contributed to the organisation's communication strategies and public information dissemination.

Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Austrian Volker Türk has served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights since September 2022. Türk previously held the position of Undersecretary-General for strategic coordination in the Executive Office of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger, Presidency of the UN Human Rights Council

In 2020, Austrian Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger held the rotating Presidency of the UN Human Rights Council. Austria was elected to the council twice, serving from 2011 to 2014 and 2019 to 2021.

Karl Nehammer, Chancellor of Austria

Karl Nehammer is the current Chancellor of Austria, a position equivalent to the head of government. Nehammer was sworn in on 6 December 2021 and, together with the President, forms the country's executive branch leadership.

Austrian Leadership in Peacekeeping Operations

Austria is one of the countries that contribute the largest number of troops for UN peacekeeping operations. Approximately 50,000 Austrians have served in over fifty UN peacekeeping missions worldwide as soldiers, military observers, policemen, or civilian experts.

Austria's UN reputation

Austria joined the United Nations Organisation (UN) on 14 December 1955 as its 70th member. Since then, it has established itself as an engaged member state with a strong reputation within the UN.

Austria has been an advocate for effective multilateralism, international dialogue, and a UN that is fit for the 21st century. The country has also been instrumental in increasing the UN's focus on strengthening human rights and the rule of law, the protection of civilians (especially women and children) in armed conflict, and the fight against impunity. Through its active, fair, and principled engagement, Austria enjoys a high profile at the UN.

Austria has been elected thrice to the Security Council (1973-1974, 1991-1992, and 2009-2010), as well as twice to the UN Human Rights Council (2011-2014 and 2019-2021). Austrian Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger held the Presidency of the UN Human Rights Council in 2020. The country is also a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027-2028.

Austria's reputation has helped secure the appointment of Austrian nationals to key posts within the UN, including Kurt Waldheim as UN Secretary-General from 1972 to 1981, Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal as UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information from 2012 to 2014, and Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights since September 2022.

In addition to peace and security, conflict prevention, and the protection of civilians, Austria has other key priorities within the UN. These include the fight against drugs and organised crime, disarmament and non-proliferation, environmental issues, and the development of international law. Austria has contributed significantly to the development of international law through the "Vienna Conventions" and has mediated in various areas.

Austria also played a crucial role in the UN General Assembly's agreement on Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. This agenda aims to address global challenges such as poverty and climate change and create a better world for future generations.

Overall, Austria's active engagement, commitment to multilateralism, and focus on key global issues have contributed to a strong and positive reputation within the United Nations.

Frequently asked questions