For more information about the programs, please contact the UNWG Activities Chairwoman at unwgactivitieswien@gmail.com, or stop by or call the UNWG office during office hours.
To find other regular activities, such as language classes, arts & crafts groups, etc., click here.
Book Group Discussion
Muddy People by Sara el Sayed
Picnic in Donaupark
Enjoy a walk around the Donaupark with their beautiful spring flowers, then take part in a picnic of the food and drinks that we ask everyone to contribute to. Bring what you like; either one of the famous traditional dishes of your country or buy something if you don’t have time to cook. It’s time to have fun and enjoy a day of chatting, playing games or do whatever you want together. Come and invite your friends and let’s have wonderful time together. Sign up in the UNWG office or with Rana.
General Meeting: The Power of Music
Mrs. Shan Luo and Mr. Weiping Xia from the Youtuo Classical Music Institute will introduce the Vienna International Philharmonic Initiative, which aims to promote the development of public welfare through the power of music, especially in the fields of music and arts education. This initiative seeks to enable more people to enjoy the beauty of music, nurture artistic talents, and make positive contributions to society.
Kiosk Sale: Sustainable Products, Gifts From the Earth and Mother's Day
The Kiosk will be recognizing Earth Day and Mother's Day with a sale in the VIC focusing on Earth friendly items and recycled goods. An ongoing focus at the Kiosk is reusing materials and upcycling them to create new pieces of jewelry. Creating a piece by using already existing materials is very gratifying, not only because it guarantees a unique piece, but it is a zero-waste approach.
Over the last years we have also experimented with reusing glass, porcelain, and plastic materials (all but the kitchen sink) challenging our creativity with the materials at hand. Other artists' sustainable objects will also be on sale such as the secret books, Rosa's clay bowls and plant colored silk scarves from Tamae.
We are grateful for all the donations that contributed to our sales.
International Luncheon
This successful fundraiser is open for the VIC population to sample excellent world cuisine supplied by our members and participating embassies and missions. It is a wonderful opportunity to support our charity program. We encourage embassies and permanent missions as well as members to come showcase their countries and to share some of their culinary delight at the charity luncheon event. If you are willing to bring a national dish or would like to help, please contact the organizing team at unwgluncheon@gmail.com.
Welcoming Coffee: Let's Play Bunco
We are going to play Bunco, a popular game in the USA. This does not take much skill but there are rules to follow and to help you, we are including a video of Bunco rules here. If you want to play, please bring 1 euro and a pencil. If you don't want to play, spectators are welcome. We will start with coffee at 9:30 while we prepare the tables for the number of people who want to play. Playing begins at 10:05. (Please take into account the wait at Gate 1.)
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Awake Like a Bear in Spring
Book Group Discussion
The Girl With Seven Names: Escape from North Korea by Hyeonseo Lee
Tostmann Trachten
Since the company was founded in 1949, all Tostmann dirndls have been manufactured in Seewalchen am Atersee or Vienna. The family business is now in its third generation and employs around 100 people at the two locations. In addition to dirndls for young and old and for every occasion, you can also find traditional costumes for men. Join us for a tour by the owner of the shop and factory. Sign up in the UNWG office. Maximum number of participants: 15. Cost €3 for charity donation.
Augarten Porcelain Manufactory Tour
Join us for a private English tour of the famous porcelain maker's factory in the heart of Vienna's second district. They have a 300-year tradition of producing the finest tableware and exquisite decorative objects by hand. Sign up and pay in the UNWG office. Minimum number of participants: 10. Friends and spouses are welcome. Cost €22 for the tour and charity donation.
Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky Zentrum
Our next activity will be a very interesting tour of the former apartment of a famous Austrian architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky. The MSL Zentrum provides a space for exhibitions and is a research centre on the pioneers of architecture. Sign up in the UNWG office by March 11. Maximum number of attendees is 15. Cost: €13 includes tour and charity donation.
General Meeting: Gender Equality in Society
To mark the International Women’s History month, our member Ruth Mwangeka will talk about role of gender equality in the modern society. We can have a discussion among members on the topic.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Purity
International Women's Day Luncheon
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender parity. The Board has organized a luncheon at E-Wok Restaurant to celebrate the day. Sign up and pay in the UNWG office. Cost: €15
Kiosk Charity Sale: In Honor of International Women's Day
Welcoming Coffee: Dynamic Korean Arts
The March Welcoming Coffee will be hosted by the Korean Cultural Center under the auspices of the Republic of Korea Embassy. Sign up in the UNWG office or with Maya by March 4.
Book Group Discussion
"The Exchange of Princesses" by Chantal Thomas
Friends & Newcomers Circle: Exploring Our Interests and Hobbies
The first workshop in 2024 will be exploring things we love to do that make us happy and content, and we'll find out who shares similar interests with us. Sharing similar interests among friends makes one comfortable within the group. All members are welcome to attend. Sign up in the UNWG office or with Philomena.
Margarete Schütte-Lihotzk Zentrum
The MSL Centre is in the former apartment of the famous Austrian architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky. It provides a space for exhibitions and is a research centre on the pioneers of architecture. Sign up in the UNWG office by February 19. Maximum number of attendees is 15. Cost: €10
Tour of Türkenschanzpark
Türkenschanzpark, one of the most beautiful parks in Vienna, is in the style of a romantic English landscape garden. It boasts of amazing garden architecture with many beautiful fountains and sculptures. Learn about many interesting details of the botanical species in the garden, as well as famous visitors to the park. A little bit of historical gossip is included! Following the walk, we can have lunch if people are interested. Minimum number of attendees is 10. (Spouses or friends are most welcome.) Cost €12 payable when you sign up in the UNWG office.
General Meeting: Vienna, Your Host City
Angelika Wölfer from the VIC's Vienna Service Office will present some not so well-known aspects of the beautiful city of Vienna.
Cooking Group: Easy Dishes
Welcome to the first cooking class of 2024. Have you ever thought that you want something healthy and satifying to serve to family or friends but don't want to spend a lot of time cooking in the kitchen? We will be cooking two spinach dishes that look like they took a lot of time to prepare but take less than 30 minutes each and can be adapted in many ways. Limited to 20 persons. Sign up in the UNWG office. Cost €11 per person for ingredients and charity donation.
Welcoming Coffee Hosted by the Australian Embassy
Dr. Christine Biggs, the Australian Ambassador’s spouse, invites you to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The theme is reconciliation. Sign up in the UNWG office or with Maya by February 9.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Longing
Kiosk Charity Sale: Valentine's Day Special
Book Group Discussion
"The Durrells of Corfu" by Michael Haag
Tour of the Lower Belvedere
Let us start this year 2024 with a cultural event. The Belvedere celebrates its 300th birthday this year, so our first activity will be a tour of the Lower Belvedere Gallery. Entry cost including the guided tour: €22. Sign up and payment in the UNWG office. Deadline for sign up: January 19.
Welcoming Coffee: Hosted by the Indonesian Embassy
The wife of the Ambassador of Indonesia, Mrs. Ermita Agusman, is pleased to invite 25 ~ 30 ladies for our first Welcoming Coffee in 2024. Sign up in the UNWG Office. Registration is limited and required.
General Meeting
Report of the board 2023; appreciation certificates for Board 2023; installation of the Board 2024; and upcoming events by respective Board members.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Love
Book Group Discussion
"The Wizard of the Kremlin" by Giuliano da Empoli (original: Le Mage du Kremlin)
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Hope
UNWG INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL CHARITY BAZAAR 2023
There are international gift items for sale, and special foods and drink from around the world. Multinational cultural entertainment for the family will be presented. Open to the public. Entrance is free.
Book Group Discussion
"The Paris Library" by Janet Skeslien Charles
Voting on 2024 UNWG Board
Konditorei Oberlaa am Kurpark Luncheon
We are having lunch at the famous Konditorei Oberlaa am Kurpark in the 10th district. Afterwards we'll enjoy a stroll through the Kurpark's beautiful gardens. Sign-up in the UNWG Office.
Plant Sale
Instead of having a stall at the UNWG Bazaar, the Gardening Club will hold a plant sale with all proceeds going to the UNWG Charity Fund.
Cooking Group: Japan
Our next cooking session will concentrate on Japanese culinary experience. Our member, Nakamura Yoko, with 4 assistants will demonstrate and show us the special way to prepare Japanese delicacies that are nowadays worldwide familiar to us. Sign-up in the UNWG Office. Deadline November 10. Maximum 20 participants. Cost €13 for ingredients and charity donation.
General Meeting: 2024 Board Nominees Presentation
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Hope
Friends & Newcomers Circle: Feldenkrais Methode - Awareness Through Movement
A training/workshop on the Feldenkrais Methode developed by Dr. Feldenkrais in the 1950s. The new awareness enables us to realize how we move and use our bodies. Also, as we lose old restrictive patterns of movement, we free up our minds and open them to new possibilities. The workshop will be led by Dr. Silvia Szeless. Sign up in the UNWG office, or call Silvia or Philomena.
Visit to St. Marx Cemetery/Friedhof
Probably most of you have heard of the famous St. Marx Cemetery in the third district of Vienna where one of the most famous Austrian composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is buried. Our guide on that day will be Nora Aubert who will lead us and present the history of the cemetery. After the visit we will enjoy coffee, tea, or lunch in a nearby restaurant. Sign up in the UNWG Office. Cost €3 for charity donation.
Book Group Discussion
"The Country of Others" by Leila Slimani (original: Le pays des autres)
General Meeting: Women's Health and Well-Being
Dr. Liliana Salaru, Dr. Salma Abdulkjadir, and Johanna Schubert from the VIC Medical Service will present an overview of the unique aspects of women's health, emphasizing the significance of preventive care. They will guide us through the recommended health screenings for women of different age groups; explore what menopause is and its various stages; and address mental health in women, a vital and often overlooked aspect of our lives.
Arts and Handicraft Exhibition
We are planning an exhibition of "Arts and Handicrafts” prepared/designed by UNWG members. We have noticed that many of our members have beautiful and interesting talents and hobbies that are worth being presented, admired and encouraged. The information about the exhibit will also be distributed to UN staff members to give them a chance to also visit our exhibition and see the beautiful creations. Exhibitors may also sell their items during the exhibition providing some ratio of the income to the UNWG charity program. Sign up in the UNWG office or contact Shosho unwgactivitychair@gmail.com. More details to follow. Deadline for registration: October 11
Charity Awards Ceremony
All UNWG members are invited to attend the ceremony and are encouraged to wear national dresses/costumes, if possible. Offers of finger foods, savory or sweet, and drinks for the reception will be gratefully accepted. If you are able to contribute to the buffet, please sign up at the office, or email unwgcharityvienna@gmail.com.
SchokoMuseum der Confiserie Heindl
We will be visiting the Vienna Chocolate Museum presented by Heindl Chocolatier. This is a special English guided tour of the museum where we will have the chance to see how different ingredients are mixed together to form the delicious chocolates, and to taste them. Cost: €15 based on 15 participants. Sign-up in the office. Deadline: October 6
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Faith
Book Group Discussion
"One Thousand White Women" by Jim Fergus
Discover Armenia: Under the auspices of the Armenian Embassy and Permanent Mission in Vienna
Our trip was initiated by the UNWG under the auspices of the Embassy of Armenia in Austria. We thank the Armenian Embassy, in particular Mrs. H. Harutunian - the wife of the Armenian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Arman Babikian - who prepared the program of our visit and facilitated our arrangements in Armenia. This one-week trip introduced members to the history and cultural heritage of the Armenian people and the natural beauty of the country. We traveled to different regions visiting numerous religious, cultural, and historic sites.
General Meeting: Unveil the Secret of a Fashionable Healthy Living
With Dr. med. univ. Mei Li and Master Rick Sue
International Luncheon
This successful fundraiser is possible thanks to the kind donations of food and help from the embassies, and the dedication and hard work of our members. To donate, volunteer or for more information, contact Maya at unwgluncheon@gmail.com. Sign up is also available in the UNWG office.
Cooking Group: Philippines
Our cooks will prepare and present us with some delicious and famous cooking from the Philippines and we are looking forward to tasting enjoying them. Sign up in the UNWG office. Cost €13 for ingredients and charity donation.
Welcoming Coffee: Hosted by the Armenian Embassy
We will have the pleasure of having with us the Wife of the Armenian Ambassador to Vienna, Mrs. Elen Harutunian. On the occasion of our ‘Discover Armenia’ trip from September 27 to October 4 Mrs. Harutunian will give us some highlights of our Armenia trip, and, also present us some of the old Armenian traditional lifestyle and customs, that perhaps still continue till today in a modernized manner. This will follow with Armenian tea and cake.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Safety
Book Group Discussion
"A Strangeness in My Mind" by Orhan Pamuk
Parliament Building Tour
A guided tour of the newly renovated Parliament building. Please remember to have your identity card/passport (no UN badge) with you for security. Children above 14 years of age can join the tour. After the visit we will go to a nearby cafe/restaurant for a drink and lunch. Sign-up in the UNWG office or contact the Activities Chair. Deadline: August 21
Kiosk Summer Sale: special discount on jewelry
Gardening Club Plant Sale
Gardening Club Plant Sale
Painting Art Exhibition of the Children and Charity Sales (Kiosk, Book & Charity Shops)
The UNWG is organizing this charity event with other organizations. The opening ceremony is on Monday, July 24 from 12.00-14.30. The Kiosk, Book Shop and Charity Shop will be selling their products.
"Music for Peace" Concert
Summer Luncheon
Friends and Newcomers Friendship Morning
Friendliness and bingo games led by Shosho at Silvia Szeless's apartment. All are welcome! Please register with Silvia or Philomena Ugbor if you are coming.
Baden bei Wien Day Trip
A day trip by train to the historical and charming town of Baden, which is well known for its many therapeutic mineral bath houses. Sign-up in the UNWG office. Cost €3 donation plus train fare.
Cooking Group: South Korea
A South Korean culinary class with Professor Shim Eun Kyeong. Sign-up in the UNWG office by June 12 (Monday). Cost €10 for materials and charity donation.
General Meeting: Charity Review Committee (CRC) Projects
At our last meeting before the summer break, the main theme will be a presentation of the CRC projects and voting on them.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Sugar and Spice
Welcoming Coffee: Hosted by the South African Embassy
South Korean Handicraft Workshop with Rosa Kim
Ms. Joo-hee Moon of Ssamzisarang Boudoir Academy in Seoul will showcase several Korean traditional patchworks called Jogakbo. A workshop will follow to sew traditional wrapping pouches with silk material and silk threads. If time permits, a hanging mobile will also be made during the workshop. A jogakbo is a style of patchwork, traditionally used to create domestic wrapping cloths (known as bojagi) from scraps of left-over fabrics. The jogakbo can include several colours composing a modern abstract pattern, or be made of one single color. Sign-up in the UNWG office. Cost €10 for materials and charity donation.
Kiosk Special Sale
In honor of World Environment Day, on June 5-6 the Kiosk will be showcasing the possibilities of reusing materials headed for the bin. Reusing old to make new is a thread all year long in what is made at the Kiosk. Raising funds for our charities while producing accessories mindfully is a great incentive. In continuing with the Sustainable Fashion theme of last year, we will be showcasing some textile reusing. From June 7-9 the Kiosk will sell a selection of seasonal wearable items and gifts, also in the cafeteria.
The UNWG lanyards/badge holders made of recycled bottles, will be sold at a reduced price for all June! They are a unique product specially produced for the UNWG.
Book Group Discussion
"Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng
General Meeting: Fit and Mindful with Flavia Laterman (Yoga teacher)
Flavia Laterman has been working with mindfulness since 2016 and is on the way to becoming a certified psychotherapist in Austria (cognitive behavior therapy). She is passionate to find out ways to increase our physical and mental well-being. Flavia approaches mental health in a practical way, offering simple techniques and habit ideas which decrease stress and increase our joy in our life. Please come and enjoy the magical experience!
Cooking Group: India
Anita and Raman will once again give us the pleasure of Indian cooking with their many aromatic spices. Sign-up in the UNWG Office. Cost €10
Welcoming Coffee: Hosted by the Pakistan Embassy
Mrs. Afshan Khokher, the Pakistan Ambassador's spouse will host this month's welcoming coffee. We will learn about the diverse culture of Pakistan and an ancient art, Kashikari, with a live session from Pakistan.
Kiosk Mother's Day Sale
The Kiosk will be selling some special items for Mother's Day.
A Walk Through the Prater Allee
Join Rana on a walk down the Prater Allee. The walk can reach “LustHaus” at the end of the Allee if all participants are still fit and happy!! At the end of the walk you can have a good rest for coffee/tee or lunch (partial/optional).
Book Group Discussion
"The Capital" by Robert Menasse (original: Die Hauptstadt)
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Secrets
Austrian Parliament
A visit to the newly renovated Parliament building. More details to follow. Sign-up in the UNWG office.
Welcoming Coffee: Hosted by Tajikistan Embassy
The spring season marks the beginning of a new year in Tajikistan. "Navruz" is celebrated throughout the week with ladies coming together dancing and singing for 24 hours. April is blossoming time when a wide range of flowers add to the beautiful scenery on the meadows in the lowlands of the Fann Mountains and southern Tajikistan.
Cooking Group: India
Anita and Raman will be preparing Indian specialities and invite us to share them. More details to follow. Sign-up in the UNWG Office.
General Meeting: Vienna, Your Host City
Presentation by Angelica Wölfer of the Vienna Service Office of the many amenities offered by the City of Vienna.
Kiosk: Earth Day in April
To celebrate Earth Day, the Kiosk will be selling only sustainable products with a focus on recycled, repurposed and up-cycled.
Schmetterlinghaus (The Butterfly House)
Visit the Schmetterlinghaus and afterwards enjoy a coffee/tea in the Palmenhaus next door. Sign-up in the UNWG office.
Frauen Fun Run 2023
Members of the UNWG walking/running group will be participating in the Frauen Fun Run. Please contact Doris Parker if you are interested in joining the group. Visit the Fun Run's website for more information. The 35th Österreichischer Frauenlauf will take place on June 4th.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Brunnen (Fountains/Springs)
Friends and Newcomers Friendship Morning
We will be touring and discovering the hidden treasures of an interesting part of the city. More details to follow. Sign up in the UNWG office.
Book Group Discussion
"A Man's Place" - "I Remain in Darkness" - "Happening" - Your choice of 3 books by Annie Ernaux
City Walk & Uhren (Clock) Museum
Silvia will lead us through the first district and show us some interesting historical spots and their role in higher society. Afterwards we will visit the Clock Museum to see the fabulous arts of clocks that were designed throughout history. Sign-up in the UNWG office. Deadline: March 24 (Thursday)
General Meeting
Nisreen Mirza, Member Services Supervisor at the VIC's UNFCU will discuss education and guidance when having a UNFCU account.
Monthly International Restaurant Get-Together
For March, our second venue for exploring international cuisine is the exquisite food and famous Ethiopian coffee in an Ethiopian restaurant. Family members and friends are also encouraged to join us. Sign-up in the UNWG office or contact Shosho directly. Deadline: March 17 (Friday)
Cooking Group: Argentina
Patricia Esperon will be preparing delicious Argentinian dishes for us. We can watch, learn and assist her during her work. Deadline for sign-up in the UNWG office is March 13. Cost €10
Dead Poet Society, Theme: Twilight
Classic Rock Concert
Enjoy a classic rock concert with members, spouses, and friends. March 8 deadline for advanced tickets costing €22. (Contact Nora Aubert) Tickets at the venue cost €25.
Planetarium Prater Visit
We will view the Solaris Programme and be given a special English tour. Spouses are welcome to join. Sign-up: UNWG office.
Welcoming Coffee: Achievements by Sri Lankan Women
Hosted by the Sri Lankan Embassy
Book Shop Rotunda Sale
The UNWG Book Shop will be selling donated books in all genres and many languages, plus DVDs & CDs. All proceeds go to support children's charities.
Kiosk Rotunda Sale
In celebration of Women’s Day, the Kiosk will be in the Rotunda selling handicrafts, jewelry, UNWG logo items, and international goods. In recognition of the Kiosk’s 25th anniversary, a collection of jewelry was designed by Giana, a Greek Jewelry designer who works with various metal materials, including bronze and silver. These very unique items, designed with the theme of the laurel or olive branches, will also be on sale.
Book Group Discussion
"Before the Coffee Gets Cold" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Friends and Newcomers Circle Workshop: Woman, who is she?
“March is the Month for women and March 8 is declared ‘The International Women’s Day’. What does this mean for us? Who is this woman? In a very light-hearted way, we will all take a look at this person called WOMAN. It will be an interactive and participatory workshop. Don’t miss it. Contact: Philomena Ugbor
Walking Along the Danube
General Meeting, Vienna Business Agency
A presentation by the Vienna Business Agency about the services they offer for international companies and expats.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Epistolary Poems
Monthly International Restaurant Get-Together
Welcoming Coffee
Carnival, hosted by H.E. Ambassador Laura Faxas, Dominican Republic
Book Group Discussion
"Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel García Márquez
General Meeting
Annual Report 2022, Installation of the 2023 Board
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Viewpoint
Book Group Discussion
"The Madness of Crowds" by Louise Penny
