03|06|25, Hofburg Vienna
UNITE IN ACTION – TERMINATE POLLUTION
Young vs. old, urban vs. rural areas, progressive vs. conservative – we are living in an increasingly divided world, fueled by economic hardship and the lingering effects of a global pandemic. Our media consumption habits often deepen these divides, fostering misunderstanding rather than dialogue. At the same time, the impacts of pollution, biodiversity loss, and the climate crisis are becoming impossible to ignore.
As Arnold Schwarzenegger best said it, “There is no Democratic or Republican air; there is only clean air.” This quote reminds us that while our backgrounds and beliefs may differ, our shared humanity and dependence on a healthy planet unite us. Clean air, thriving ecosystems, and a sustainable environment are essential to ensuring a peaceful, livable future for everyone.
Though our approaches may vary, the goal remains the same: safeguarding a liveable future for generations to come. Let us commit to truly listening to one another, bridging divides, and finding common ground to make our world a better place for all.
Program
(subject to change)
Matt Iseman, Presenter
Monika Langthaler, Host AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT
Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal President of the Republic of Austria
António Guterres, Secretary General United Nations
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Founder AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT
We live in a period of political disruption, transformation, and environmental crisis – people are more and more anxious about their future. Shared and familiar values seem to disappear. Democracies are under threat.
On the other hand, people have been developing technologies and political instruments that could help us to live in welfare and peace.
So, the questions are: What sort of new leadership is needed to solve the challenges of our time peacefully and respectfully, especially when it comes to living on a healthy planet? How can we UNITE in ACTION for a healthy and peaceful future for all?
Host: Hannelore Veit
Speakers to be announced
The industrial sector – one of the main CO2 emitters globally – faces huge challenges but also opportunities in becoming climate-neutral. The Industrial Clean Deal as the current strategy of the European Union to reduce environmental and climate impacts focuses very much on the decarbonizing industries as well as implementing a circular economy. Companies and industries demand long-term political planning and goals in order to maintain competitiveness and economic sustainability. How do companies react and act in this environment and what strategies and decisions have they chosen to become clean?
Also, research and science play a vital role in innovative and sustainable developments. How do companies and policy makers ensure to be up to date with latest scientific results? And at what stage and how do they implement these results?
Host: Hannelore Veit
Speakers to be announced
Food security is highly dependent on healthy soils and biodiversity. UNESCO is warning that 90% of the planet’s land surface could be degraded by 2050, with major risks for biodiversity and human life. However, as the EU says, healthy soils are essential for achieving climate neutrality, a clean and circular economy and stopping desertification and land degradation. They are essential to reverse biodiversity loss, provide healthy food and safeguard human health.
Host: Hannelore Veit
Speakers to be announced
We have witnessed immense environmental catastrophes like fires, droughts or floodings worldwide in the last years. With a changing climate we can expect more natural disasters with a greater intensity. In this panel we talk with people who are on the forefront of the climate and environmental crisis.
Hearing the perspective of a first responder, listening to a medical worker and understanding what challenges they are facing in their work – in some cases even volunteer work – with a warming climate and a polluted world. What drives them to continue taking action? What can we learn from them for our own lives in a changing climate? How do subnational policy makers react to that?
Host: Hannelore Veit
Speakers to be announced
To be announced
Inspiring stories and innovative personalities – the best mix for an intriguing session. We present climate action heroes from all around the world proving that change is already in motion.
Host: Matt Iseman
Speakers to be announced
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Founder AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT
Monika Langthaler, Director Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative