The AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT, a flagship event of the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, has been a cornerstone for global environmental discussions since its inception in 2017. This annual conference, held in Vienna, has grown to be one of the largest climate conferences worldwide, drawing attention to innovative solutions and inspiring actions for a sustainable future. Let’s take a look at the themes, decisions, and main actors from previous summits.
In 2017, the inaugural summit was launched with the theme Austrian World Summit - Climate Kirtag. Initiated by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Monika Langthaler, this summit aimed to promote the Paris Agreement and foster a dialogue on effective climate action. The concept of "Climate Kirtag" (climate fair) was introduced, emphasizing public engagement and interactive discussions. Key figures included Arnold Schwarzenegger, President Alexander Van der Bellen, and Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, who all played significant roles in setting the tone for future conferences.
The 2018 summit, themed From Paris to Action, focused on translating the Paris Agreement targets into concrete actions. This summit highlighted successful case studies and best practices in climate action, reinforcing the importance of partnerships among government, business, and civil society. Prominent attendees included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Al Gore, former Vice President of the United States, and António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, who collectively emphasized the urgency of moving from commitments to tangible actions.
In 2019, the summit embraced the theme Leadership for a Sustainable Future, placing a strong emphasis on empowering youth and promoting innovative solutions. This event launched initiatives to support young climate leaders and entrepreneurs, recognizing the crucial role of the younger generation in driving sustainable change. Key participants such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and prominent youth activists underscored the importance of intergenerational collaboration in addressing climate challenges.
The 2020 summit, with the theme Action and Innovation, aimed to showcase cutting-edge technologies and strategies for climate mitigation and adaptation. This summit featured discussions on leveraging innovation to achieve sustainability goals and included influential figures from the technology and business sectors. The event reinforced the need for innovative approaches to combat climate change and encouraged stakeholders to adopt forward-thinking solutions.
In 2021, the summit's theme Healthy Planet – Healthy People highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental health and human well-being. This summit explored the impacts of climate change on public health and promoted holistic strategies to enhance both planetary and human health. The discussions featured medical experts, environmental scientists, and policymakers, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to address climate and health crises simultaneously.
The 2022 summit, titled Collaborate for the Future, focused on strengthening international cooperation and partnerships for sustainable development. This event brought together leaders from various sectors to discuss collaborative strategies for achieving global sustainability goals. The summit highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral partnerships and showcased successful examples of international cooperation in climate action.
In 2023, the theme Green Finance and Investments took center stage, underscoring the pivotal role of financial mechanisms in driving climate action. This summit delved into sustainable finance, green investments, and the role of financial institutions in supporting environmental initiatives. Key figures from the finance industry, alongside environmental advocates, discussed ways to mobilize capital for sustainable projects and emphasized the need for robust financial frameworks to support the green transition.
The most recent summit in 2024, themed Be Useful: Tools for a Healthy Planet, inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s book, focused on actionable measures for climate and environmental protection. This year introduced the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT Solutions Expo, showcasing innovative environmental solutions from various companies, NGOs, and startups. High-profile guests included Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the US President for International Climate Policy, who discussed the political instruments necessary for effective climate action.
The AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT has consistently provided a platform for influential leaders, innovative thinkers, and passionate activists to converge and collaborate on solutions for a sustainable future. As it continues to grow, the summit remains a beacon of hope and a catalyst for global climate action, demonstrating the power of collective efforts in creating a healthier planet.
