Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger speaking at the UNGA in New York. Photo: BMEIA/Gruber
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, together with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, took part in the annual high-level week of the UN General Assembly from September 21 to 26, 2025. The focus of this year's High-Level Week was the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
“The UN is currently under particular pressure. However, especially on the 80th anniversary of its founding and the 70th anniversary of Austria's UN membership, it is very clear to us that only cooperation and solidarity can create security! Together, we want to work towards reforming the UN to make it ready for the future!” Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger underscored the importance of the UN.
As this is the last High-Level Week before the election of the non-permanent members of the UN Security Council in June 2026 for the period 2027-2028, the focus of the High-Level Week was on Austria's candidacy for the UN Security Council.
“It is particularly important for countries the size of Austria that the rule of law, and not the rule of the strongest, prevails at the international level. That is why we are running for the UN Security Council. We want to take on responsibility once again and actively shape our security. In doing so, we are focusing on partnership, dialogue, and trust!” emphasized Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger.
This is not only politically relevant, but also strengthens Vienna's position as a UN location, with real economic benefits for the Austrian population, according to Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger.
Numerous bilateral talks with countries from various regions of the world were therefore also dominated by Austria's candidacy for the UN Security Council.
The High-Level Week also focused on the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine. With regard to the Middle East, a high-level conference on the two-state solution was held under the chairmanship of France and Saudi Arabia, and Austria signed the outcome document together with 24 other EU member states.
During the meeting between US Secretary of State Rubio and the foreign minister of EU and NATO countries, Austria emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine until a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace is achieved. Austria also renewed its offer to serve as a venue for negotiations.
Numerous other events and discussions took place, such as the joint meeting between the Austrian delegation and UN Secretary-General Guterres, an exchange during the traditional meeting of EU foreign ministers, and an event hosted by Austria on the role of the International Criminal Court.