29 May 2019
IIASA leadership at the R20 AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT
The event, a result of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s climate change initiative R20 Regions of Climate Action, brings together global leaders from academia, business, governments, and the general public, to increase partnerships and exchange ideas on how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement climate targets can be achieved.
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. The SDGs and the Paris Agreement on climate change are closely connected. Their implementation will drive the economy towards de-carbonization, which is an important milestone in achieving the SDGs. This can only succeed if partners from business, subnational governments, civil society and others work together to create sustainable projects. It’s the summit’s mission to inspire as many people as possible for the climate protection movement. The list of speakers at this year’s event include:
- Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chair, R20 Regions of Climate Action
- Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal President of Austria
- Sebastian Kurz, Federal Chancellor of Austria
- Maria Vassilakou, Deputy Mayor of Vienna
- Greta Thunberg, Climate Activist
IIASA participation
On the second day of the summit, IIASA Director General Albert van Jaarsveld will speak at the Breakout Session on forest response and sustainability:
Forest Response to Climate Change: Why African Forests Matter
29 May, 09:00-12:30, University of Vienna, Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna, Kleiner Festsaal
Sharing state-of-the-art knowledge on the role of forests, trees and their sustainable conservation and management in limiting climate-related risks in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); showcasing on-the-ground projects in Africa related to forests in climate change involving Austrian partners; and announcing new Austrian initiatives for promoting science cooperation and networking with Africa.
IIASA Deputy Director General Nebojsa Nakicenovic is part of the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT Advisory Board – an independent body of leading experts from science, business and relevant institutions und organizations. It provides non-binding strategic advice to support the initiative on the long term.
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