The VCDNP marked its 15th anniversary with convening its annual diplomatic workshop for ambassadors, heads of international organizations, and experts on 10 March 2026. More than 60 ambassadors, heads and senior officials from international organizations -- including the IAEA, CTBTO and UNODA -- and as well as senior non-governmental experts gathered for the “Multilateral Diplomacy and Nuclear Governance in an Era of Rapid Global Change” workshop. Participants discussed pressing nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament issues ahead of the upcoming NPT Review Conference, as well as the impact of the current geopolitical environment and multiple conflicts and crises on the regime.
The workshop was followed by a reception hosted by the Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria to celebrate the VCDNP’s 15th anniversary.
Ms. Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria, recalled the origins of the Center in an initiative by the Austrian government at the 2010 NPT Review Conference to strengthen Vienna’s and civil society’s role in multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation diplomacy. She highlighted the partnership with the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and Middlebury College that led to the establishment of the Center.
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasizes that “Austria's initiative to establish the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation is based on a clear conviction: Successful arms control requires a strong scientific foundation and spaces for open dialogue and trust-building – values that are more important today than ever before.” She added that since its founding, the VCDNP has become an indispensable part of Vienna's multilateral landscape. Through research, dialogue formats, and training programs, the Center’s platform helps to better understand complex security policy challenges and supports fact-based decision-making processes in the nuclear field. In particular, through the training of diplomats, especially from smaller states and countries of the Global South, the VCDNP makes a crucial contribution to international security.
Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Director of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, echoed the Minister’s remarks and underscored the convening power of the VCDNP as a facilitator of candid dialogue among key stakeholders—from national governments and international organisations to civil society. Leveraging its independent, non-governmental status, the Center is able to bring diverse perspectives to the table and host discussions that can be difficult to hold within governmental or intergovernmental settings.
Mr. Jacek Bylica-Kosmalski, Chef de Cabinet to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, delivered the Director General’s congratulatory message and emphasized the close partnership between the Agency and the VCDNP, as well as the many benefits the Vienna diplomatic community derives from this collaboration.
Ms. Rebecca Jovin, Head of the UNODA Office in Vienna, communicated congratulations from Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. In her message, Ms. Nakamitsu noted that “since its founding, the VCDNP has become an indispensable fixture in the disarmament and non-proliferation community. Through its reputable and authoritative research, promotion of dialogue and capacity-building, the VCDNP has enriched diplomats’ and practitioners’ understanding of and engagement in disarmament process across regions and generations.”
Dr. William C. Potter, Chair of the VCDNP Advisory Board and Director of the James Martin Center for Non-Proliferation Studies, and Ms. Elena Sokova, VCDNP Executive Director, extended their gratitude to the Minister and the Ministry for the continuing support throughout the 15 years of the Center’s work and for hosting the reception in its honor.
Ms. Sokova emphasized the importance of partnership and cooperation with many organizations and institutions in Vienna, across Europe, and globally that have been essential to advancing the Center’s vision and mission, including the IAEA, CTBTO, UNODA, UNODC, as well as numerous national governments and non-governmental organizations.
She concluded her remarks by expressing appreciation for the financial support provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the governments of Austria, Canada, the European Union, Finland, Germany, Japan, Malta, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, whose contributions have sustained the Center’s independence and enabled its development and growth.
