Philippines Celebrates 80 Years at United Nations with Landmark Exhibit of Filipino International Civil Servants in Vienna

Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evangelina A. Bernas was joined by representatives of the Vienna-based international organizations, Filipino international civil servants, and members of the international community at the opening ceremony of the “Pioneers of Multilateralism” exhibit on 25 August 2025.

VIENNA 08 September 2025 — In celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN), the Philippine Embassy and Permanent Mission in Vienna brought into focus the lives and contributions of about 40 Filipino international civil servants within the United Nations and international organizations headquartered in Vienna. The 3-day exhibit at the Vienna International Centre titled, “Pioneers of Multilateralism: Stories from the United Nations at 80” showcased their individual journeys, stories, and achievements. A special stamp issued by the Philippine government was also featured to celebrate 80 years of the Philippines’ enduring contributions to the UN. 

The exhibit opened on 25 August 2025 with a ceremony that gathered members of the international community. Distinguished representatives from the Vienna-based international organizations delivered heartfelt remarks of appreciation to the legacy of the Philippines at the UN, including Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban-Treaty Organization (CTBTO); Ambassador Maria Cleofe Natividad, Secretary of the Policy Making Organs Division of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Mr. Jeremy Douglas, Chef de Cabinet and Strategy Advisor to the Director General/Executive Director of UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); Dr. Driss El Hadani, Deputy Director/Senior Adviser of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA); and Mr. Josef Karl Pelikan, Director of the Division of Regional Bureaus and Field Coordination of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). 

Ambassador Natividad, whose profile was also featured in the exhibit, spoke on behalf of IAEA and emphasized the contribution of the Philippines and its people to the promotion of the peaceful uses of atomic energy. This advocacy accords the Philippines a stronger voice in shaping global peace and security in line with the Philippines’ candidature for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028. Dr. Floyd, on behalf of CTBTO, highlighted the 80th Anniversary of the UN as parallel to diplomacy on the control of nuclear weapons, adding that international civil servants have been assisting in the mission to end the use of nuclear weapons and foster global security since the conception of the UN in 1945.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evangelina A. Bernas stated that multilateralism lives not only through treaties and institutions, but also through individuals who embody its ideals. “From the Philippines’ role as a founding member in 1945 and we have given our best to its different bodies, from the presidency of Carlos P. Romulo of the UN General Assembly in 1949, to Domingo Siazon Jr. as the Director-General of UNIDO in 1985, and to the men and women of our armed forces who serve as part of the UN peacekeepers, and to all who serve here in Vienna and the three other headquarters of the UN.”

Three Filipino international civil servants highlighted in the exhibit shared how their Filipino identity has enriched their work in a multicultural environment. “Pakikisama or being cooperative with others helped me become an effective team player with colleagues from other cultures,” said Ms. Emerenciana Duran, a retired CTBTO international civil servant. She further added that “Bayanihan—the spirit of working together—reminded me that this mission is about collective security, not individual achievement. And respeto, respect, kept collaboration open even in moments of disagreement.” Ms. Carmela Centeno from UNIDO added that “the United Nations is not an institution apart from people—it is made of people, serving people. That is our greatest legacy, and our greatest responsibility.” Ms. Marizel Rojas from CTBTO said, “the Filipino mix of adaptability, warmth and ingenuity builds bridges, calms storms and sometimes even injects a little laughter into a very serious gathering.”

The exhibit was held for three days from 25 to 27 August 2025 at the Rotunda of the Vienna International Center. The opening program drew more than one hundred guests, including heads of diplomatic missions, diplomats, staff of international organizations, and members of the Filipino community in Austria. END

Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evangelina A. Bernas delivered her opening remarks recalling the long-standing history and contributions of the Philippines and its people to the UN System. Behind Ambassador Bernas is a painting by renowned Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor donated by the Philippines.

Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, Dr. Robert Floyd, delivering a message at the exhibit commemorating Filipinos’ contributions to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna.

Mr. Jeremy Douglas, Chef de Cabinet and Strategy Advisor to the Director General/Executive Director of UNODC, delivering remarks on behalf of his organization. 

Ambassador Evangelina A. Bernas with Filipino professionals highlighted in the exhibit. 

(From left to right) Ambassador Le Thai Hoang Vu (Viet Nam), Ambassador Pattarat Hongtong (Thailand), Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, Mr. Jeremy Douglas, Chef de Cabinet and Strategy Advisor to the Director General/Executive Director of UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and Mr. Josef Karl Pelikan, Director of the Division of Regional Bureaus and Field Coordination of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) at the opening program. 

Profiles of the various Filipino International Civil Servants on display.

Ambassador Maria Cleofe Natividad spoke on behalf of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Ambassador Natividad highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to the promotion of the peaceful uses of atomic energy through its work in Vienna and around the world. 

Ms. Marizel Rojas delivered a light-hearted message about Filipino identity and its ability to build bridges even in challenging times.

Dr. Emerenciana Duran spoke on the importance of Filipino values in international civil service. 

Visitors viewing the profiles of the various Filipino International Civil Servants on display. 

For more information, visit https://www.viennape.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.at or https://www.facebook.com/PHinAustria, or https://www.instagram.com/phinaustria/.