Democracy in a changing climate

Across the globe, democratic systems are under pressure. Authoritarian tendencies, social polarization, and global crises are testing the strength of our democratic structures. At the same time, the changing climate poses a challenge to our infrastructures, our homes and our way of life. This event will explore the complex challenges and opportunities for democracy in a rapidly changing world.

Key questions include: What challenges does the climate crisis pose for democratic decision-making? How can urban planning and architecture foster civic participation? What role does the legal system play in safeguarding democratic values? And how can the arts open up new spaces for democratic expression and engagement?

Through interdisciplinary conversations we will bring together diverse perspectives and explore how democracy can remain vibrant, inclusive, and resilient into the future.

The event will kick off the interdisciplinary summer universities “Alternative Economic and Monetary Systems (AEMS)” and “Green.Building.Solutions. (GBS)”, welcoming international changemakers in Vienna – the European Capital of Democracy in 2025.

Event Program

4:30 pm Welcome coffee and arrival

Join us for coffee and sweets as guests arrive and settle in

5:00 pm Welcome addresses delivered by

• Guenther Jedliczka, CEO of OeAD student housing
• Carina Kamptner, Organizational Head of the AEMS Summer University
• Barbara Mayr, Organizational Head of the GBS Summer University

5:30 pm Thematic impulses

With contributions from

• Michaela Krömer, attorney-at-law and founder of CLAW-initiative for climate justice
• Doris Österreicher, architect and university professor at the University of Stuttgart
• Thomas Thaler, deputy of the Institute of Landscape Planning at BOKU University
• Valerie Huber, actress, activist, author

6:30 pm Panel discussion

With the keynote speakers, moderated by Alicia Prager, Der Standard. The discussion will reflect on the thematic inputs and open up the conversation with the audience.

7:30 pm Evening reception with finger food buffet.

7:45 pm DJ Eugene plays MONEY party tunes in the TÜWI bar

You can ask him to play a song from your country, on the theme of finance.

By attending this event, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed and give permission to use this material in promotional and marketing materials.

This event will be held according to the City of Vienna's criteria for EcoEvents to keep the environmental impact at a minimum. Please choose public transport (plan your journey here) or bicycle for travelling to the event location.

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Many thanks to our public and private sponsors that make this event and our two summer universities possible!