3. June 2024
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Senior Advisor to the US-President for International Climate Policy John Podesta accept Schwarzenegger’s invitation to Vienna.
(Vienna, June 3rd, 2024) Environmentalists from around the world will gather on June 20th at the Vienna Hofburg, for the 8th AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s international climate summit. The 2024 theme is “Be Useful: Tools for a Healthy Planet”. In addition to host Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, the Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and numerous other politicians, the morning session promises to be exceptional due to the participation of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Senior Advisor to the US-President for International Climate Policy John Podesta.
“Environmentalists have fought hard for laws and legal frameworks over the last four decades. Flagship examples such as the European Green Deal and the US Inflation Reduction Act are unfortunately under massive attack in an election year like this one. The future of these achievements is unfortunately uncertain,” explains Monika Langthaler, Director of The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative and organizer of the summit. Langthaler and Schwarzenegger are therefore particularly proud to have these high-profile guests at the conference to discuss the necessary political instruments for a successful and ongoing climate and environmental policy.
Diverse topics and exciting speakers
The program of the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT has a lot to offer this year. The topical focus will be on unleashing green investments, showcasing examples of successful transformation and improving the framework conditions for an environmentally friendly lifestyle. The speakers range from Federal Minister Magnus Brunner, Federal Minister Leonore Gewessler and Vienna City Councillor Jürgen Czernohorszky to Klaus von Moltke, Plant Manager at the BMW Group plant in Steyr, Jan Jenisch, CEO of Holcim and Justin Mundy, former sustainability advisor to King Charles. The role of the arts in promoting environmental protection will also be discussed with great guests such as Oscar-winning documentary film director Louie Psihoyos, “Die Bergretter” actor Sebastian Ströbel and producer Klemens Hallmann.
After a performance by The BossHoss, the afternoon is dedicated entirely to inspiring stories of young eco-entrepreneurs from all over the world. The young Iraqi architect Basima Abdulrahman, for example, is trying to make Iraq’s post-conflict reconstruction sustainable with her company. Anna-Liisa Palatu, CEO of Woola, is using wool as an alternative to bubble wrap for packaging and Charlot Magayi and her Kenyan company Mukuro Stoves have already produced 400,000 stoves that reduce household air pollution. These are just a few of the great examples from which the viewers of the afternoon sessions will be able to draw inspiration.
AWS Solutions Expo: More exciting and accessible than ever before
In keeping with the motto, there will be a new element to the conference this year: the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT Solutions Expo, an environmental trade fair on the ground floor of the Vienna Hofburg that is open to all interested parties free of charge and without registration.
A diverse array of innovative environmental solutions will be showcased at various exhibition stands and on a dedicated stage, featuring companies, NGOs, start-ups, and other organizations. In addition to practical approaches and innovative ideas, the Expo offers the unique opportunity to see the man behind the legend in person. Arnold Schwarzenegger will present his latest book “Be Useful” at an exclusive signing session. In addition, the new life-size Madame Tussauds wax figure of Schwarzenegger riding his bike will be on display for selfies. “Our goal is to inspire a broad audience to engage in climate protection and show the possibilities that already exist,” concludes Monika Langthaler.
For more information contact:
Natascha Unger
Head of Communications
Mobile: +43 664 8267897
