Celebrating 20 Years of UNEP Presence in Vienna

Vienna, 18 June 2024 – The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention and UNEP’s presence in Vienna, marking two decades of fostering international cooperation and driving sustainable development across the Carpathians, Western Balkans, and mountain regions globally.

The event, kindly hosted by Austria’s Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology, brought together long-standing colleagues and partners to celebrate joint achievements and reaffirm a commitment to protecting our planet’s invaluable ecosystems.

Kicking off with a 5-minute teaser video showcasing regional impressions, the event was introduced and moderated by Harald Egerer, head of the UNEP Vienna Office. Ms. Elfriede-Anna More, Director of International Climate, Environment, and Energy Affairs at Austria’s Ministry of Climate Action, delivered a welcome address, praising UNEP’s work and emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to mountain sustainability.

UNEP Vienna Office teams, operating in the Carpathians, Western Balkans, and globally, presented their inputs. One standout achievement is the development of the Carpathian Biodiversity Framework, elevating the Carpathian region to the global stage. In the Western Balkans, the establishment of over 12 new protected areas, including Shar Mountain National Park, exemplifies effective regional cooperation. Additionally, the 2018-established Pollution Platform has become an umbrella for numerous pollution-related projects, addressing air pollution, soil contamination, and environmental monitoring.

Arnold Kreilhuber, Regional Director of the UN Environment Programme’s Europe Office, delivered a laudatory speech, emphasizing the UNEP Vienna Office’s pivotal role in environmental governance. “The Vienna Office’s mountain focal point role is now very much enshrined within UNEP, significantly expanding partnerships through global fora and bringing us closer to the needs of member states,” said Mr. Kreilhuber.

Mr. Kreilhuber highlighted the Carpathian Convention’s 20 partnerships and 30 projects to protect the region’s biodiversity, the establishment of critical protected areas in the Western Balkans, and championing sustainable mountain development globally. This work promotes cooperation from the Himalayas to the Andes, underscoring UNEP’s role as a leader in environmental governance and conservation.

Invited guests, including representatives from the Carpathian Convention Presidency, Alpine Convention, and the Scientific Network for the Caucasus Mountain Region, offered toasts. The celebration featured a cake-cutting ceremony accompanied by a performance from the Vienna Office Band.

Through the Carpathian Convention, our work in the Western Balkans, and sustainable mountain development globally, UNEP has demonstrated that regional cooperation and dedicated environmental governance can yield remarkable progress in preserving our planet’s natural heritage. Thanks to all the dedicated individuals, organizations, and governments who have worked tirelessly to further mountain sustainable development and environmental protection.

Here’s to 20 years of progress and many more to come!