Chat
Be ready for dynamic interaction between speakers and the audience to learn from each other’s expertise and experience. Fruitful discussions and conversations between world-class speakers and fellow participants to shed light on complex challenges.
Chats on the Schedule 2023
Sunday, 25. August
Morning
The Geopolitics of Enlargement: A Way to Safeguard the European Space
The EU Enlargement is increasingly seen as an effective foreign policy tool to diminish the influence of external powers in the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans. Reframing European integration as a strategy to provide security for the neighbourhoods, as well as make EU Member States safer, will certainly strengthen the EU’s standing as a geopolitical actor - for example through a sustainable peace settlement for Ukraine and sound security arrangements for Moldova.
09:00
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10:30
The Geopolitics of Enlargement: A Way to Safeguard the European Space
Sec
Is Economic Inequality Inevitable?
Since the 1980s, wealth and income inequality has started to rise again in many countries. While some, such as the US, have seen a significant increase in inequality, others, such as Sweden, have maintained relatively stable levels. Explore the reasons for these divergent trends: What are the roots of inequality and which policies can make a real difference?
09:00
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10:30
Is Economic Inequality Inevitable?
+4
Dem
Fin
Afternoon
The End of the World as We Know It: Big Oil’s Final Countdown
If the global community is to be true to its commitments, carbon emissions need to be reduced by at least 45 % globally and by at least 55 % EU-wide by 2030. Fossil fuel use and production need to be scaled down, yet the industry remains heavily subsidised. It is time to explore the most effective ways of bringing movement into the stuck system of ‘big oil’ power. What can (shareholder) activism, (financial) regulation, investment stewardship, or other actors achieve?
14:00
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15:30
The End of the World as We Know It: Big Oil’s Final Countdown
+3
Cli
“Hip Hope” – Reimagining the Future in the Balkans
The Western Balkans continues to find itself mired in a stagnant status quo, trapped in traditional diplomatic discourse, without ideas to forge a path forward. This deadlock necessitates a fresh infusion of perspectives, essential for breaking through the barriers that obstruct regional advancement. These perspectives exist and must be brought to light; they need to free the Balkans from the despair and inertia that have held it captive for far too long.
14:00
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15:30
“Hip Hope” – Reimagining the Future in the Balkans
Dem
A Better World Is Possible: Past, Present and Future of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights defines a common basis for the rights of all people and nations. Rapid technological advancements as well as increased calls to give non-human entities such as rivers legal rights could potentially change the conversation about who deserves which rights. This session will explore how our concept of human rights might evolve over the next few years.
14:00
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15:30
A Better World Is Possible: Past, Present and Future of Human Rights
Art
Dem
The Future of Multilateralism
The world is far from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: Extreme poverty and hunger are increasing, violent conflicts are multiplying and global emissions are at their highest levels ever. In September, the UN will convene a “Summit of the Future” to reinvigorate multilateralism. How should the system be adapted to better meet current challenges? Hear perspectives from different countries, and share your ideas for the future of multilateralism.
14:00
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15:30
The Future of Multilateralism
+2
Sec
New African-European Ambition: Ways Forward in Energy, Climate and Tech
Africa and Europe have the unique opportunity to work together in the context of emerging tools and technologies and to co-create climate and energy policy solutions. Those have to be just and effective for both sides on the path towards climate neutrality. Leading policy makers, activists and experts discuss the ambitions, potentials and hurdles the African-European partnership is facing.
14:00
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15:30
New African-European Ambition: Ways Forward in Energy, Climate and Tech
Cli
Engaging the Private Sector for the Social Good
Businesses are pivotal to Europe’s social contract, driving growth and innovation while impacting societal well-being. Despite public mistrust of their profit-led motives, their capacity for rapid, scalable innovation is undeniable. Explore how governments and the EU can harness this potential for the social good, rethinking interactions between the private sector, public institutions, and citizens to forge a new relationship.
14:00
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15:30
Engaging the Private Sector for the Social Good
+2
Fin
Finding Common Ground in a Polarised World
Against the backdrop of growing polarisation, the complexity of national identities, diverse cultures and opposing ideologies, ways must be found for meaningful dialogue and common ground. How can we bridge divides in politics and society? Can shared values or goals serve as a foundation?
17:00
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18:00
Finding Common Ground in a Polarised World
Dem
Monday, 26. August
Morning
Let's Call a Spade a Spade: What the EU Needs to Do to Get Things Right.
Which role does Europe play globally? What does the continent's future potential consist of? Do the EU's values (still) have a role in the age of BigTech and AI? How do we address the megatrends that shape our times: demographics, climate change, inequality, and globalization? This panel offers diverse range of views, but with one common denominator: the belief that Europe's best days are yet to come!
09:00
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10:30
Let's Call a Spade a Spade: What the EU Needs to Do to Get Things Right.
+3
EU Enlargement: A New Chapter or Old Wine in New Bottles?
The war in Ukraine has brought a new sense of urgency to the EU enlargement process. The European Council opened accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. Now comes the hard part, as the candidate countries in the Western Balkans know only too well. We will discuss what Ukraine and Moldova can learn from their experiences and what impact the new momentum driven by Ukraine has on the enlargement process in the Western Balkans and in general.
09:00
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10:30
EU Enlargement: A New Chapter or Old Wine in New Bottles?
+4
Dem
Sec
Afternoon
The Geopolitics of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
Central Banks around the globe are developing Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). This could challenge the current dollar-based system. A single CBDC may have an enormous standard-setting effect. If the digital euro becomes the standard-setter on its promise of privacy, Europe could regain ownership of its financial infrastructure, increase competitiveness and change geopolitical positions.
14:00
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15:30
The Geopolitics of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
Fin
Imagining Green, Sustainable and Regenerative Cities
The session will visualise greener urban landscapes, focusing on transforming urban spaces globally to ensure a sustainable and livable future. The discussion delves into the practical realisation of these concepts, aiming to create environmentally sustainable urban environments that are well-prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
14:00
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15:30
Imagining Green, Sustainable and Regenerative Cities
+4
Cli
US vs. EU Green Tech Race: How to Work Together?
The US and the EU are both pushing their green industries, but they are taking different approaches. The recent US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) sent a clear message that green technology is a profitable industry. This has raised concerns in Europe that companies will choose to invest in the US rather than in Europe. What can Europe learn from the US to unlock private investment in clean technologies and which opportunities for cooperation exist?
14:00
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15:30
US vs. EU Green Tech Race: How to Work Together?
+3
Cli
Fin
State-Sponsored Disinformation and the Dangers to Electoral Integrity
In this historic election year, we are confronted with the multifaceted challenges posed by state-sponsored disinformation more than ever before. This includes voter manipulation and defamation campaigns. Explore the learnings we can draw from these attacks on electoral integrity and identify strategies to best protect the democratic electoral process of the future.
14:00
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15:30
State-Sponsored Disinformation and the Dangers to Electoral Integrity
+4
Dem
Sec
Unpacking the Role of Packaging & Circularity Towards a Climate Neutral Europe
Consumers encounter packaging every day. Packaging plays a major role in preserving the valuable content inside but also for the ecological perception by consumers. A transformation towards more circularity and less environmental impact is necessary. The discussion will explore how packaging design has already changed and will have to change over the next half decade to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals, especially in the context of policy regulation.
14:00
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15:30
Unpacking the Role of Packaging & Circularity Towards a Climate Neutral Europe
Cli
Joining Forces for 1.5 Degrees
The more the global community delays its climate actions, the more drastic they will have to be. At the same time, disasters and looming crises unite individuals and organisations to achieve the previously unthinkable. What are moonshot moments of transformation that will bring global climate goals on track in the imminent future? How can we redesign our social and economic systems to prioritise sustainability, regeneration, and resilience in face of the risk of missing the 1.5-degree target?
17:00
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18:00
Joining Forces for 1.5 Degrees
+1
Cli
Tuesday, 27. August
Morning
(Re-)Creating Affordable Housing in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)
While affordable housing models thrive in Austria, they have almost ceased to exist in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), where the vast majority of the population lives in their own dwelling. Following a recent surge in real estate prices, flats in the region’s major cities have become the most expensive in the European Union, posing a real challenge, especially for the younger generation. We’ll delve into the strategies to leverage Austria’s experience in creating new ways towards affordable housing in CEE.
10:00
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11:30
(Re-)Creating Affordable Housing in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)
Fin
Alpbach Talks
Talking brings people together. The pursuit of a “moment of truth” demands lively discussions, contrasting views, and an exchange of ideas. Bold perspectives are encouraged! By answering five questions, you are matched with a thought-provoking discussion partner and engage in a spirited one-to-one discussion aimed at providing both participants with new insights. Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover that you and your discussion partner have more in common than you’d initially thought? At the very least, you’ll leave with new perspectives. // Please arrive on time to avoid missing the “matching” of participants, as this only occurs once.
10:30
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12:00
Alpbach Talks
Wednesday, 28. August
Morning
Aging Europe: Ensuring Prosperity, Advancing Innovation
The demographic shift affects all of Europe. As the population ages rapidly, the number of people in the working-age group decreases. The challenge lies in maintaining prosperity, financing social systems, and promoting innovation. Representatives from politics, business, and academia discuss solutions and explore how migration can be beneficial for both sides.
09:00
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10:30
Aging Europe: Ensuring Prosperity, Advancing Innovation
Fin
Europe, Believe in Yourself! Ideas to Advance Society
We have the European Parliament elections behind us and Austria’s national elections ahead. Now’s the time for a realistic analysis of the status quo. If we want to ensure our continued prosperity, we need a competitive business environment within a strong Europe. Prioritizing industrial policies and fostering a robust capital market must no longer be seen as alien concepts. What concrete ideas can move us forward as a society?
09:00
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10:30
Europe, Believe in Yourself! Ideas to Advance Society
+3
Dem
Fin
Back on Track: Democratic Backsliding and the Challenge of Re-Democratisation
With democratic norms in a worldwide decline, the consequences of this erosion have to be recognised and democratic success stories, such as the case of Poland, have to be appreciated and learnings adopted. We build an understanding of the signs and steps of democratic backsliding, and examine the challenge of re-democratisation, most notably restoring checks and balances and media freedom.
09:00
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10:30
Back on Track: Democratic Backsliding and the Challenge of Re-Democratisation
+3
Dem
What will the EU get from the accession of Ukraine?
What will the EU get from the accession of Ukraine? Discuss the benefits from Ukraine’s accession despite the cost incurred. Current estimates suggest that Ukraine’s membership will be bearable for the EU budget, even given the war uncertainty. Ukraine will enhance the EU in the fields of military, energy, agriculture, pharmacy, and IT.
10:00
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11:30
What will the EU get from the accession of Ukraine?
+3
Sec
Afternoon
Stories Of Transformation – How We Cope With Fundamental Change
Artificial intelligence, climate change: Fundamental changes are forcing us to learn and to adapt – at work, in business and in shaping our society. The experiences of our speakers and guests help us to better understand: How do they deal with fundamental change? Which transformations push them to their limits? Which ones do they see as opportunities?
14:00
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15:30
Stories Of Transformation – How We Cope With Fundamental Change
+2
Cli
Digital Bridges: Reaching the Marginalized
Marginalisation is multidimensional. It includes poverty but also entails a lack of capacity to participate in vital parts of social, economic and cultural life. To reconnect and include this group of people, as society we must innovate our approaches to communication and information, as well as redesign social services. How can we centre our efforts around the needs of marginalised groups? Can digitalisation bridge these divides and foster true inclusion?
14:00
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15:30
Digital Bridges: Reaching the Marginalized
Dem
How Trust runs the World
Trust in business, politics and media is the basis for our coexistence in a society. Trust is necessary to maintain international relations, to strengthen democracy and to enable companies to operate successfully. In times of loss of trust, the following question arises: How can trust be (re)established?
14:00
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15:30
How Trust runs the World
+3
Dem
Demographic Change and Affordable Pensions: Challenges and Prospects
The birth rate is falling, the proportion of older people is rising: Europe and Austria are facing enormous demographic change. These developments are accompanied by new trends and ever-increasing employee mobility. Against this backdrop, the following questions arise: Are European pension systems fit for the future? Are they able to maintain their promise of benefits? Are the social systems keeping pace here? This is a discussion on necessary measures and how politicians can drive forward bold changes despite concerns about votes.
14:00
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15:30
Demographic Change and Affordable Pensions: Challenges and Prospects
+3
Fin
Green Transformation: Role of Businesses and Banks in Austria and CEE
The green transformation requires joint efforts of banks, businesses and the public sector to redesign our economy. Central aspects include identifying prerequisites, determining actions from stakeholders and understanding financing and the associated costs. The discussion will revolve around the role of businesses in Austria and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in and around the circular economy.
14:00
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15:30
Green Transformation: Role of Businesses and Banks in Austria and CEE
+3
Fin
Regenerative Agriculture: Debunking an Imaginary Conflict
Productivity and sustainability are often played off against each other, and so are the interests of the agricultural production system and the natural ecosystem. Hear from actors from the agri-food value chain who have come together across their individual industry silos to transform the system towards a regenerative agriculture. Find out which systemic shifts generate a shared vision among initially unlikely allies.INFO: Join us for an optional hike after the session to exchange ideas on how you can transfer learnings from the session to your own field of action.
14:00
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15:30
Regenerative Agriculture: Debunking an Imaginary Conflict
+1
Cli
Let Others Wage War For You, Thou, Happy Austria, Stay Neutral?
According to a poll, 72 % of Austrians expect other EU members to defend them in case of a military attack, but only 14 % say that Austria should support other EU members with armed troops. This attitude is also reflected in statements from government officials and could lead to Austria’s isolation. Time for an honest discussion about the tension between neutrality and solidarity and the consequences for Austrian security policy.
14:00
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15:30
Let Others Wage War For You, Thou, Happy Austria, Stay Neutral?
Sec
European Defence: Investing More, Better and European
In the ongoing war of attrition, Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia’s attacks depends on Western military assistance. However, US support is stalling and could be further reduced after the elections. This gap has to be filled by European countries which also have to replenish their own arsenals. How can Europe make better use of the potential of its defence industry and deliver what is needed?
17:00
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18:00
European Defence: Investing More, Better and European
+1
Fin
Sec
Thursday, 29. August
Morning
Media Moments of Truth
We are facing the “Moment of Truth”, not only at the European Forum Alpbach 2024, but also in our society as we know it. Current debates on the relationship between data, innovation and AI focus on the ethical, social and economic consequences that technologies impose on societies. How can the media use new tools to find, communicate and protect the “best obtainable version of the truth”? At the same time, these tools offer multiple opportunities for the media to create more efficient and relevant offerings for different audiences. With democracy under pressure, traditional legacy and public service media have a particularly important and responsible role to play. Being a critical media infrastructure, they must ensure that societies can continue to rely on a modicum of trustworthy and transparent information in order to function properly. Join the discussion on how public media can fulfil its role in a digital and AI-driven world.
09:00
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10:30
Media Moments of Truth
Tomorrow Today: Imagining a Liveable Future
Imagine what a transformed future will look and feel like – and you have already taken the first step towards it. After a short introduction on the usefulness of applied imagination, in this session participants will explore and co-create narrations of a future where humanity will have successfully achieved the transformation. Share your thoughts on a climate-positive future and the path towards it.
09:00
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10:30
Tomorrow Today: Imagining a Liveable Future
+3
Cli
Afternoon
Confronting Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in Europe
In recent years, Europe has witnessed a concerning resurgence of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, threatening the fabric of pluralistic societies and undermining the principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. The origins, proliferation and impact on society at large and on communities across the continent are explored, seeking effective methods to confront these forms of stereotyping, prejudices and hatred.
14:00
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15:30
Confronting Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in Europe
+3
Dem
How to Govern AI in Austria
Securing prosperity, seizing opportunities, shaping the future – What is the Austrian strategy for a regulatory framework and successful implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in business, society and administration?
14:00
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15:30
How to Govern AI in Austria
+4
Dem
The Incoming European Commission's Agenda on Delivering the Green Transition
As Europe moves towards climate neutrality by 2050, the European Commission needs to support EU Member States in implementing reforms that support the green transition and contribute to the achievement of the Green Deal. What are the key priorities and potential stumbling blocks for the new Commission? Find out how citizens, businesses and stakeholders can contribute to the success of the green transition
14:00
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15:30
The Incoming European Commission's Agenda on Delivering the Green Transition
+4
Cli
Fin
Quantum Computing: The Next Superpower?
Quantum computing promises to disrupt industries and unleash breakthroughs at an unprecedented speed. It is believed to tackle problems beyond imagination – from secure communications to new levels of computing that could bring us life-saving drugs in record time, improved AI performance, and optimised financial markets. But with great power comes great responsibility. Will quantum computing be the key to solving humanity’s greatest challenges, and what could be the unforeseen consequences?
17:00
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18:00
Quantum Computing: The Next Superpower?
Fin