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Vienna, Austria, 4 December 2024 — The Rotunda at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) was aglow with holiday spirit on Wednesday evening as the annual Christmas Tree Illumination, organized by the Vienna Service Office led by Angelika Wölfer, brought together staff, diplomats, and families for an enchanting celebration.
The City of Vienna once again donated the magnificent Christmas tree, beautifully decorated with ornaments crafted by children from Vienna’s “Bildungsgrätzl” schools. This year’s theme, inspired by Articles 12 and 13 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasized the children’s right to be heard and express their views freely.
A Festive Evening of Music and Messages
The event opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Ernst Woller, First President of the Vienna Provincial Parliament, who expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership between the City of Vienna and the United Nations. Joining him in delivering holiday greetings were Mr. Martin Nesirky, Director of the United Nations Information Service (UNIS), and Ambassador Gabriella Sellner (Austria), who commended the contributions of Vienna’s children and the spirit of international cooperation exemplified by the VIC community.
Children from the VIC Kindergarten added a heartwarming touch, presenting their hopes and wishes in letters to Mr. Woller, Mr. Nesirky and Ambassador Sellner. These young ambassadors for the evening also delighted the audience with short performances celebrating the holiday season.
The Wiener Zitherfreunde provided musical entertainment. They filled the Rotunda with traditional Christmas melodies and a sitar ensemble, offering a unique and serene musical accompaniment to the festive evening.
Community and Holiday Spirit
Guests, including members of the VIC Club Filipino, gathered to enjoy the warm camaraderie and festive treats. Traditional Christmas punch and cookies were served, while children had the opportunity to decorate their own gingerbread men—a delightful keepsake of the evening.
The illuminated Christmas tree stood as a symbol of unity, peace, and the shared holiday joy among the diverse VIC community, underscoring the values of inclusivity and mutual respect celebrated by the City of Vienna and the United Nations.
A Tradition of Togetherness
The Christmas Tree Illumination at the VIC continues to be a cherished annual tradition, fostering a sense of belonging and holiday cheer among all attendees.
For more information about the Vienna Service Office and its activities, visit Vienna Service Office.
Contact:
Angelika Wölfer
Vienna Service Office C OE14
Vienna International Centre
Phone: +43 1 26026 4234
Email: ViennaServiceOffice@wien.gv.at
Photos: ctto
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) and 1st 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.
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