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16|06|26, Hofburg Vienna

WE ARE UNSTOPPABLE

When we founded the Summit in 2017, the world seemed defined by rules-based politics, with broad consensus on the necessity of multilateral institutions. The Climate Convention, adopted in 1992 alongside the Convention on Biological Diversity by 193 states, the Kyoto Protocol, and ultimately the historic Paris Agreement, were widely celebrated as the foundation for phasing out the fossil-fuel era.

A decade ago, there was strong consensus in favor of concrete implementation; multilateral agreements – whether in health, trade, or climate – were to be gradually adapted and strengthened.

Today, in 2026, the climate landscape has fundamentally shifted. After a global pandemic, new wars, and economic instabilities, climate policy and action have largely disappeared from the political agenda. Many companies have scaled back or delayed efforts to reduce their environmental and climate impact. Inflation and global insecurities weigh heavily on the public.

What does this mean for our planet? Pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss remain the greatest threats to human health and well-being.

As we celebrate the 10th AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT, we acknowledge our success in raising awareness about pollution and the changing climate. We are convinced that, even in these challenging times, the environmental and climate movement has succeeded in making environmental action mainstream. And we will continue this work because – WE ARE UNSTOPPABLE.

Summit Program

Subject to change