May 25, 2023

Arnold Schwarzenegger opens AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT Solutions Hub

On May 17th 2023, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Monika  Langthaler opened the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT Solutions Hub in Asparn an der Zaya. The new centre on the historic estate in the Weinviertel region of Lower Austria will become a hub for climate protection. People will be able to network throughout the year and present concrete solutions for a clean future. Monika Langthaler, director of the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, is pleased about the opening: “Every year at our climate conference, we give a platform to the many solutions that already exist. Now the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT has found a new home in the Solutions Hub, where environmental and climate protection are on the agenda all year round.” Specifically, on-site best-practice examples will be presented and exhibited, workshops and other events will take place.

Exciting guests

After a tour, during which the numerous guests were able to see the renovated manor house, the many challenges of our time were discussed at a roundtable. Besides Arnold Schwarzenegger, Local Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Michael Höllerer from Raiffeisen Holding NÖ-WIEN, Inna Braverman, CEO Eco Wave Power, Siddharth Hande, CEO Kabadiwalla Connect, Janina Lin Otto, entrepreneur and Taj Ahmad Eldridge, general partner Include Ventures and Managing, joined the discussion.

The old manor itself is intended to be a model of how much can be achieved with modern environmental technology. In future, for example, the Solutions Hub will produce its own electricity, storage solutions will be developed, the heat supply will be secured and the hub’s electric car will be charged at the farm. Areas were freed from concrete as part of the conversion work, in order to give a new space for natural biodiversity. A small nature park with regional plants was created on the site, so plants can attract more native insects. In addition, the area is adorned with a stream to provide a drinking place for birds and a habitat for amphibians such as frogs and salamanders. So as not to waste valuable drinking water, the park is irrigated with well water and collected rainwater.

In terms of content, the next two years at the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT Solutions Hub will focus on the renewable energy industry and the topic of biodiversity, as well as food security.