28|05|19 HOFBURG VIENNA
Leadership for a Sustainable Future
The effects of climate change can be felt all around the world by the increase of heatwaves, floods and droughts, glacial melting and rising sea-levels. An estimated nine million deaths worldwide are related to pollution every year. Air pollution is by far the largest contributor to early death according to a report by The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health. The scientific data, as well as the growing number of people affected, demonstrate the fact that the climate crisis is a concern to all. Nevertheless, the current measures which are being taken by the international community are not sufficient to reach the goals set out in the Paris Agreement, which is not merely an environmental treaty, but offers the basis for a new and inclusive model of sustainable development. Consequently, we need more climate action, collaboration and faster implementation to preserve biodiversity, ensure health, global food supply, and enable a better future for humanity.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's long-term commitment to climate protection has spanned over 15 years and despite the barriers created by political circles, he continues to pursue his aim of "less talk, more action". With this in mind, we are showcasing innovative solutions, policies, best practice projects, examples of cooperation and role models from different countries, cities, regions and sectors that are dealing with pollution and championing a future of renewable energy. There are plenty of examples in various locations on the planet, which prove that a sustainable path is an economically profitable course of action. Therefore a greener finance sector can significantly contribute to the decarbonising of our economy and establish sustainability on all levels. The outcome of the AWS 2018 identified climate communication as a key force to mobilizing and supporting climate action. How can new groups be encouraged to initiate climate awareness? Therefore we invited 2019 media representatives, communication experts, scientists and well-known protagonists of climate action to exchange about strategies and tools for successful climate communication.
Program
| 09:30 – 09:40 | Opening Ceremony |
|---|---|
| 09:40 – 10:20 | Welcome & Keynotes
Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal President of Austria Greta Thunberg, Climate Activist António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations Arnold Schwarzenegger, Initiator of the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT             |
| 10:20 – 11:40 | Focus 1: Rising Ambition for Climate Action The elections to the European Parliament will be crucial for the fight against climate change and pollution.There is still time to tackle climate change but it will require more effort from all countries and from all sectors of society. How to fulfilling the Paris Agreement on climate change, thereby acting as a role model for improving the environment and human health? Further steps will be necessary to raise ambition at the UN Climate Change Summit in September 2019. Act 1: Climate LeadershipThere is an urgent need for leadership to take responsibility in the global process on sustainable development and international cooperation. The UN Secretary-General has stated that we must change course by 2020, or we risk passing the tipping point when we can no longer avoid the “disastrous consequences for people and all the natural systems that sustain us.” János Àder, President of HungaryNana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and co-Chair of the Eminent Group of Advocates for SDGs Nanda Bahadur Pun, Vice President, Nepal Raimonds Vējonis, President of Latvia Kristalina Georgieva, CEO, The World Bank Host: Melinda Crane, Journalist    Act 2: The Power of Cities and RegionsR20 understands the significant impact of cities, towns and regions by implementing their climate commitments. Acting locally and partnering globally is a trend that has been highlighted at recent conferences such as COP24 in Katowice. How can the role of subnational actors be strengthened in the global process? What kinds of instruments are required to further empower cities and regions as drivers for a clean, healthy future? Mary Nichols, Chairwoman, California Air Resources Board Host: Maria Neira, Director of Public Health and Environment, WHO     |
| 11:40 – 12:25 | Focus 2: Cooperation & Partnerships We need to team up in the spirit of multilevel cooperation and vertical integration between all levels of government to mainstream developments for climate action, better health and more sustainability – but how can we scale up to implement more projects and mobilize green investments? Act3: North-South CooperationCreating jobs, wealth and sustainability through deeper collaboration is a key priority for the future. What are the appropriate instruments and methods to improve cooperation on equal terms and lead the way into an era of peace and save our natural resources? Higino Marrule, Minister for Agriculture and Food Safety, Mozambique Host: Melinda Crane, Journalist    Act 4: Mobilizing Investments by Green FinanceMoney makes the world go around – how can green finance support the change in decarbonising our economy and establish sustainability on all levels? How can political initiatives, such as the EU Action Plan on Sustainable Finance, become a model for the global finance sector? Samba Bathily, Founder and Chairman of Africa Development Solutions Host: Barbara Buchner, CEO, Climate Policy Initiative      |
| 12:25 – 12:30 | Words of Thanks
to the R20AWS supporters by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Monika Langthaler |
| 12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch Break                        |
| 13:00 | Networking Sessions with B2Match Tool starting |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Autograph Session of Aksel Lund Svindal |
| 14:00 – 14:10 | Keynote: The View from Space |
| 14:10 – 15:40 | Focus 3: Best Practice Projects and Solutions
Showcasing success stories is a central theme of the R20 Austrian World Summit. Selected best practice projects, solutions and initiatives will be presented, which have the potential of being scaled up to global level, thereby having a significant impact on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The transfer of technology and knowledge is one key element for speeding up the green transformation. The individual cases provide valuable lessons on the success factors, as well as on the challenges we have to be aware of.
Act 5: Role Models from Regions & CitiesHarriët Tiemens, Deputy Mayor of Nijmegen, Netherlands (European Green Capital 2018) Host:, Melinda Crane, Journalist   Act 6: Brands - Leading Companies Acting NowJohan Eliasch, CEO Head Host: Xenia zu Hohenlohe, Langenburg Forum     Act 7: Fossil Free MobilityMichaela Huber, Member of the Executive Board, ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) Host: Michael Strasser, UN Environment "Mountain Hero"    |
| 15:40 – 16:30 | Focus 4: Climate Communication Raising awareness for a healthy environment and reaching out to as many people as possible is of major importance to making clear: climate change affects us all. Based on current trends, developments and research results the aim is to demonstrate best practices and attempt to solve some challenges in the current climate debate by addressing relevant issues, including framing, storytelling, narration or communication instruments leading to inspiration and catalysing mobilisation. Act 8: The Role of Media in a Changing Public LandscapeTo successfully fight climate change we need the public on our side. In times of ‘fake news’, populism and climate change denial, how can we ensure successful journalism, media strategies and campaigns?
Beth Gardiner, Environmental journalist & author of Choked: Life and Breath in the Age of Air Pollution Host: Melinda Crane, Journalist   Act 9: Encouraging a Sustainable LifestyleTackling climate change goes hand in hand with cultural change. Gaining the interest and awareness of different social groups requires new strategies, promoters and role models. How can we encourage people to adopt a sustainable lifestyle in a meaningful and lasting way?
Aksel Lund Svindal, Norwegian World Cup alpine ski racer Host: Chris Cummins, Journalist, FM4    |
| 16:30 – 16:45 | Closing Ceremony
Moderation: Monika Langthaler-Rosenberg, Director R20 Austria&EU Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal President of Austria Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chair, R20 Regions of Climate Action    |
| 15:00 – 21:00 | Climate Kirtag @ Heldenplatz |
Climate Kirtag
"Less talk - more action!" Since the launch of his R20 AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT initiative, Arnold Schwarzenegger has focused his energy on getting as many people as possible enthusiastic about active climate protection. More awareness, more attention for quick action and the identification of concrete solutions - these are his goals. Because: We are all part of this movement, we are all ´Climate Action Heroes´!
Therefore, this year after the annual conference R20 AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT for the first time the Climate Kirtag took place. On the 28th of May Vienna´s Heldenplatz turned into a fairground for climate action. Live on stage: Arnold Schwarzenegger, climate activist Greta Thunberg, the musicians Conchita, Hubert von Goisern as well as Pizzera & Jaus, ski star Aksel Lund Svindal, actress and model Barbara Meier and many more!
No matter how young, no matter how old all who are committed to a healthy and peaceful future for our planet were invited to celebrate with us! Under the motto "Five Continents" we promoted our ideas with world music, international cuisine and a colourful entertainment program - because climate protection needs optimists and smart, committed minds. Also we provided exciting information on the subject of climate protection and sustainability.
Breakout Sessions
On the second day of our Summit ten Breakout Sessions, organized in cooperation with the Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism, took place on different locations in Vienna. The topics ranged from Green Finance, Sustainable Cities, Climate Communication, Plastic Pollution, Forests & Climate Change to Sustainable Tourism or Bioeconomy.
| 09:30 – 12:00 | CLIMATE FINANCE: New Opportunities for Developing Countries
Location: Austrian Chambers of Commerce, Wiedner Hauptstraße 63, 1045 Vienna
Saal 6
Organized by R20AWS Download the Program Whilst climate-related finance flows are considerable, they remain relatively small in the context of wider trends in global investment. For example, while global investment in renewable energy and renewable energy subsides are rising, global investment in fossil fuel and fossil fuel subsidies remain considerably higher. Nevertheless article 2.1.c in the Paris Agreement states: “Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development. As reported in developed countries biennial reports to the UNFCCC, climate finance increased by 24 per cent in 2015 to USD 33 billion and, subsequently, by 14 per cent in 2016 to USD 38 billion. But the question remains: How can our financial sector support the necessary change in decarbonising our economy, particularly in developing countries, to accelerate project implementation in places it is needed the most? Which kinds of innovative finance mechanisms are already available and how can these be made accessible to small and medium sized projects too? We seek to gain knowledge from best practice projects on success factors and lessons learned.           Host: Christoph Resch, brainbows & Konrad Eckl, Austrian Economic Chamber of Commerce Gunter Schall, Head of Unit Private Sector and Development, Austrian Development Agency Michael Otter, CEO AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA Austrian Chamber of Commerce Barbara Buchner, CEO, Climate Policy Initiative Sabine Gaber, Member of the Executive Board, Developing Bank of Austria Michaela Seelig, Director for Sustainable Finance and Regional Economic Policy, Austrian Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism Martin Hiller, CEO, REEEP Riccardo Decarolis, Sustainability Adviser, South Pole |
|---|---|
| 09:30 – 12:00 | BLENDED FINANCE: New Instruments to Facilitate Infrastructure Projects at the Sub-National Level
Location: Austrian Chambers of Commerce, Wiedner Hauptstraße 63, 1045 Vienna, Saal 2 Organized by R20 Headquarter Geneva Download the Program       Host: Stefano Battiston, University of Zurich Yannick Glemarec, CEO, Green Climate Fund Christian Schwarzenegger, University of Zurich Marion Verles, CEO, Gold Standard Karen Wilson, Social Impact Investment OECD Philip Moss, Head of Sustainable Development Investment Partnership and Blended Finance, WEF Maria Teresa Zappia, Chief Investment Officer, Blue Orchard Finance Paulus Geraedts,Team Leader EIP, European Commission Weixi Gong, Chief Investment and Technology Promotion, UNIDO Frannie Léautier, COO & Asset Management Executive, Trade and Development Bank Dana Barsky, COO Impact Advisory and Finance Department, Credit Suisse International Alexander Kern, Law & Finance Professor, University of Zurich Johannes Reich, Energy Transition Regulation Specialist, University of Zurich |
| 09:30 – 12:00 | SUSTAINABLE CITIES: Carbon-Neutral Housing & Mobility
Location: Technical University, Resselgasse, 1040 Vienna, Kuppelsaal Organized by R20AWS in cooperation with City of Vienna Download the Program Around three quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions are produced in urban areas. The majority of cities face enormous challenges, such as pollution and traffic gridlock, due to increasing population and climate change. As studies show, the organisation of urban infrastructure has a significant impact on the balance of emissions and may affect long-term emissions by a factor of 10. Therefore, the integration of energy planning within urban design is crucial to avoiding carbon lock-in effects. Cities and regions have the potential of making a significant difference and hold the keys to powerful tools in their hands. An afternoon panel on May 28th will reflect on the role of cities and regions in fighting climate change. The breakout session on May 29th will focus on transformative solutions in regard to carbon-neutrality and affordable housing. Vienna serves as an international example of social housing with high standards. Nevertheless, the Austrian capital also faces challenges produced by urbanisation trends and our need for rapid decarbonisation. The infrastructure we set up dictates the carbon footprint for many decades to come. The event will inspire international and Austrian stakeholders from a range of construction related sectors and take a look at how to implement solutions than can provide a carbon-neutral approach, high quality, and social aspects such as affordability.        Georg Günsberg, Günsberg Strategy Consulting Birgit Hebein, designated Deputy Mayor of Vienna Claire Roumet, Executive Director Energy Cities Magnus Berntsson, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and R20 Bernd Vogl, Head of Department for Energy Plannung, City of Vienna Rana Adib, Executive Director REN21 Peter Pätzold, Mayor for Urban Development and Environment, Stuttgarty Arnout Smit, Arnhem Nijmegen City Region Fran Pavley,USC Schwarzenegger Institute and former California State Senator |
| 09:30 – 12:00 | CLIMATE COMMUNICATION: Spreading the Message Successfully
Location: ORF Radiokulturhaus, Argentinierstraße 30a, 1040 Vienna Organized by R20AWS in cooperation with Climate and Energy Fund Austria Download the Program The main outcome of the R20AWS 2018 was the identification of climate communication as a potential to implement, mobilize and support climate action by addressing decision makers in the political arena, media, business sectors and society. With initiator Arnold Schwarzenegger as a prominent climate activist and motivator for a wide range of people, R20AWS will focus on climate communication challenges to develop strategies, tools and discussions on methods to overcome current obstacles within the media and public discourse. Together with top media representatives, communication experts, scientists and well-known protagonists of climate action, the objective of this breakout session shall be to discuss the shape of strategies and instruments leading to successful climate communication. Based on current research results from various disciplines and practical experience, the side event will show best practices and try to solve some challenges in the current climate debate by addressing issues such as framing, storytelling, narration and communication instruments of mobilisation.       Host: Chris Cummins, Radio FM4 Ingmar Höbarth, CEO, Climate and Energy Fund, Austria Marcus Wadsak, Weather Forecaster, ORF 1 (Austrian Television) Leo Hickman, Editor, Carbon Brief Christian Rainer, Editor, Profil Isabella Uhl-Hädicke, Salzburg University/CCCA Madeleine Daria Alizadeh, Daria Daria Markus Hafner-Auinger, Klimabündnis Cornelia Daniel, Dachgold and Energy Blogger Katharina Rogenhofer, Fridays for future Vienna Carel Mohn, klimafakten.de |
| 09:30 – 12:00 | PLASTIC POLLUTION AND HEALTH: Strategies for a Circular Economy
Location: Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism, Stubenring 1, 1010 Vienna, Marmorsaal
Organized by Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism Download the Program         Host: Thomas Jakl, Director General, Austrian Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism Maria Neira, Director of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization Werner Boote, Documentary Filmmaker (Plastic Planet) Hans-Peter Hutter, Deputy Head, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna Craig Halgreen, Director Sustainability & Public Affairs, Borealis Joost van Dun, Global Circular Economy Lead, ING Tanja Dietrich-Hübner, Head of Sustainability, REWE International AG Christian Redl, Apnoea Diver, Initiator 7 Oceans Project Martin Wesian, CEO, Helioz Ewald-Marco Münzer, Münzer Group & Joseph Siaw Agyepong |
| 09:30 – 12:00 | SUSTAINABILITY IN TOURISM for more Quality of Life and Regional Value Enhancement
Location: Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism, Stubenring 1, 1010 Vienna, Gobelinsaal Organized by Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism Download the Program         Host: Christian Baumgartner, Response & Ability Ulrike Rauch-Keschmann, Director General, Tourism and Regional Policy, Austrian Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism Xenia zu Hohenlohe, Partner/Founder, Condsiderate Group Florian Werner, Arlberg Hospiz Hotel Elisabeth Hauser-Benz, Stanglwirt Brigitte Hainzer, Mobility Coach for the Tirol Werbung Michaela Reitterer, Boutique Hotel Stadthalle |
| 09:30 – 12:00 | BIOECONOMY: Sustainable Action to Fight Climate Change
Location: Palmenhaus, Burggarten 1, 1010 Vienna Organized by Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism Download the Program          Host: Gerda Daniel Jürgen Schneider, Director General for Climate, Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism Philippe Mengal, BBI JU Executive Director Karolina Begusch-Pfefferkorn, Head of Unit, Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research Theodor Zillner, Deputy Head of Department Tanja Meyer, BioBase4SME Project Coordinator Christian Gorsche, Head of Material Development, Cubicure GmbH Martin Greimel, Head of the Austrian Bioeconomy Center, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Dana Peskovicova, BIOEAST Contact Point Slovakia Nicole Kocher, ALPLA GmbH, bio – degradebale coffee capsules Caroline Palfy, Development HoHo Wien, cetus Baudevelopment GmbH |
| 09:00 – 12:30 | FOREST RESPONSES TO CLIMATE CHANGE: Why African Forests Matter
Location: University of Vienna, Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna, Kleiner Festsaal organized by Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism & Ministry of Education, Science and Research & IUFRO Download the Program      Host: Alexander Buck, Executive Director, IUFRO David Albertani, R20 Maria Patek, Director-General for Forestry and Sustainability, Austrian Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism Emma Archer van Garderen, University of Pretoria, South Africa Hubert Hasenauer, Rector, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria Ramni Jamnadass, Co-Leader, Tree Productivity and Diversity, World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), Kenya Wubalem Tadesse, Former Director General, Ethiopian Environment and Forest Research Institute (EEFRI), Ethiopia Albert van Jaarsveld, Director General and Chief Executive Officer, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Austria Ingwald Gschwandtl, Head of International Forest Policy, Austrian Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism, Austria |
| 08:30 – 16:00 | AUSTRIAN CYCLING SUMMIT: cycling.connects in Graz
Loaction: Messecongress Süd, Graz Graz as the Styrian cycling capital invites cycling enthusiasts to spend three days discussing and participating with national and international cycling experts. Detailed information on the Cycling Summit can be found on the website. Information : https://radgipfel2019.zgis.at/en/home-2/ |
| 13:00 – 15:30 | CLIMATE LEADERS FORUM
organized by South Pole Nature-based solutions play an integral part in keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5°C. Recent studies show that carbon capture through nature-based approaches such as climate-smart agriculture, restoration and conservation, can provide more than a third of the emissions reductions needed to meet our climate goals. During this Climate Leaders Forum Corporations and Organizations will share their experiences, successes and roadblocks when implementing nature-based approaches. During round table discussion facilitated by South Pole the challenges posed by the speakers will be discussed allowing to tap into the wisdom of a crowd of climate professionals and stakeholders. Information: http://climateleaders.green/registration-form-vienna/ |
Speakers
Brune Poirson
Secretary of State to the Minister for the Ecological and Inclusive Transition, France
Aksel Lund Svindal
Norwegian World Cup alpine ski racer
