International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum 2023

The conference brings together political and business leaders from around the world to discuss practical solutions to the challenges of sustainable development.

The Vienna Energy and Climate Forum took place for the eighth time this year on 2 and 3 November 2023. The conference is organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), which has its headquarters at the Vienna International Centre in the 22^nd municipal district Donaustadt.

Under the new title "International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum", this year's conference focused on sustainable and climate-friendly developments in the energy sector. The forum is a solution platform for cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary dialogue with stakeholders from all over the world, in order to take action-oriented steps to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"Leaving no one behind" is also the City of Vienna's motto for becoming climate-neutral by 2040. As the basis for the Smart Climate City Strategy, the SDGs are also a guidepost for Vienna's sustainable urban development. Accordingly, the City of Vienna was able to contribute to this year's conference in a variety of ways.

Multifaceted two-day programme

The first day of the forum offered a full programme, ranging from panel discussions and the presentation of new research reports to interactive sessions. Up to nine sessions were held simultaneously to cover all topics and interests.

The second day of the forum in the Hofburg Palace was opened by Executive City Councillor Jürgen Czernohorszky who, after welcoming the guests, engaged in an open dialogue with two UN youth delegates. In addition to climate protection and adaptation to climate change in Vienna, opportunities for young people participation were discussed. Czernohorszky emphasised that participation projects such as the Vienna Children and Youth Strategy and the Werkstadt Junges Wien are showing that environmental issues are particularly important for children and young people.

Vienna's approach to climate neutrality was also presented by Urban Innovation Vienna at an exhibition stand and as part of its own side event.

Youth Solution Days

Prior to the forum in the Hofburg Palace, there was an intensive three-day programme for young people from all over the world. The City of Vienna was also actively involved here with a wide range of tours and visits.

The programme included a bus tour of "modern Vienna" and a guided tour of the urban development area of Seestadt Aspern with a special focus on gender planning. The programme also included presentations on Vienna's waste management with guided tours of the 48er-Tandler and the Pfaffenau waste incineration plant. A guided tour of Vienna City Hall culminated in the Vienna City Council Chamber, where the young participants had a lively discussion with City Councillor Auer-Stüger on current issues on Vienna's energy and climate policy.