UNWG International Festival and Charity Bazaar Opens at Austria Center Vienna

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29 November, Vienna, Austria – The much-anticipated United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) International Festival and Charity Bazaar opened with great fanfare on 29 November 2024 at the Austria Center Vienna. This annual event, renowned for its vibrant cultural exchange and commitment to humanitarian causes, brought together diplomats, dignitaries, and leaders from various international organizations.

The opening ceremony featured special guest speakers, including Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and 22nd District Head Ernst Nevrivy, who underscored the importance of community-driven initiatives in fostering peace and global cooperation.

In her opening remarks, the UNWG President warmly welcomed attendees, emphasizing the bazaar’s significance as a platform for uniting diverse communities and supporting charitable projects worldwide. The event’s bazaar chairperson, Kavita Verma, delivered an inspirational message, highlighting participants’ collective effort and dedication in making the festival a resounding success.

Diplomats and prominent figures from various organizations lent their support to the event. Notable attendees included:

Renate Amesbauer, President, Women Federation for World Peace (WFWP)
Bethy De La Cruz, Producer of Latin Lounge, Radio Orange
Heinz Habe, Director General of the European Police Association (EPA)
Peter Haider, President, Universal Peace Federation (UPF)
Hermann Kroiher, Secretary General of the United Nations Club Vienna (UNCAV)

Filipino organizations, noted for their staunch support of the UNWG, were present at the opening ceremony: the European Network of Filipino Diaspora Austria (ENFiD-Austria), Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), Bikol Society Austria (BSA), Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), Folklorico Filipino Vienna and more.

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society provided entertainment at the event, “RSCDS Vienna (Schottischer Tanzverein).” “Performers: Ann Murray, Beatrix Wepner, Joanna Jasinska, Judy Hall, Monika Lazzari, Tim Bolton-Maggs and the JAZZ BAND, “JAMTET”, Performers: Roberto Gaetano, saxophone; Sergio Pines Martin, electric guitar; Imre Karbuczky, electric guitar; Danny Bridi piano.

This year’s bazaar features over 80 booths showcasing food, crafts, and products from around the world, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of the UN community. Proceeds from the event will fund education, healthcare, and welfare projects for children in need across the globe.

The UNWG International Festival and Charity Bazaar remains a testament to the power of collaboration and goodwill, celebrating the spirit of international solidarity and generosity.

For further information, please visit the website: www.unwg.org

Photos: Heinz Habe

About the Author

Maria Zelda “Marizel” ROJAS is a Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Alternate Bazaar Chairperson 2024 of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) Bazaar 2024 and 1^st Vice President Elect for the UNWG Board 2025. She is also the Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora Austria (ENFiD-Austria), Board Member of ENFiD, President of Bikol Society Austria (BSA), Founder and former president of the Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), Adviser and Former President of the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), Councillor and Liaison for the Philippines of the European Police Association (EPA) and Auditor of the Vienna International Centre Gastronomy Club (VIC GC). She is a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) and received the Most Influential Filipina Women in the WorldTM (Global FWN100™) “Behind the Scenes” award in 2019.