Hike
Explore ideas on the go. Walk, listen and debate in inspirational surroundings which stimulate both mind and senses.
Hikes on the Schedule 2023
Sunday, 25. August
Morning
Risky Business: Europe's Economic (In-)Security
The pandemic and the war in Ukraine have shown Europe’s dependencies in critical areas. Since then, there has been a lot of talk about “de-risking”: mitigating risks and limiting strategic dependencies. However, it’s still not clear what this would mean for Europe. How much de-risking is necessary to safeguard Europe’s economic security and when does de-risking itself become a risk to the economy? //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
09:00
-
12:00
Risky Business: Europe's Economic (In-)Security
+4
Fin
Sec
Let's Talk to Each Other: Impulses in a Speechless World
In a world of rapid change, fragmentation and polarisation mark society and politics. Although contemporary challenges require close international cooperation, the willingness and ability to engage in dialogue are dwindling. Democracy is under pressure, alternatives are appearing and Europe has to explain itself. How can defence policy support a stable space for discussions?
09:00
-
12:00
Let's Talk to Each Other: Impulses in a Speechless World
+2
Sec
No Nature, No Business
All human economic activities rely on natural resources and ecosystems. Yet, the state of nature and biodiversity is critical all around the globe. Hear different concepts and strategies about how businesses can integrate nature and biodiversity goals into corporate strategies. It is explored how to achieve long-term prosperity and economic resilience, by becoming not only climate-neutral but climate-positive. //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and sufficient water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
09:00
-
12:00
No Nature, No Business
+4
Cli
Fin
Afternoon
Making Pension Systems Fit for the Future
Global demographic changes, such as declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy, are challenging the sustainability of many European pension systems. Explore how successful pension models can provide valuable lessons. It is critical to act now and implement policies that ensure a secure future for all, preventing old-age poverty for future generations. //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
14:00
-
16:30
Making Pension Systems Fit for the Future
Fin
Harnessing AI in the Service of Democracy
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, there is growing interest in leveraging its capabilities to enhance democratic processes and governance. We aim to nurture a nuanced understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with harnessing AI in the service of democracy and of its potential for improving democratic engagement. Join the dialogue on best practices, ethical considerations and policy implications. //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
14:00
-
16:30
Harnessing AI in the Service of Democracy
+3
Dem
Monday, 26. August
Morning
Rethinking Work in the Age of AI & Automation
Digital technologies have fundamentally changed the way businesses operate and people interact. While many jobs will be lost along the way, many more will be created and almost all will be transformed. What will the future of work look like? Discuss how policy makers, companies and societies can ensure that workers acquire the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing labour market. //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
09:00
-
12:00
Rethinking Work in the Age of AI & Automation
+3
Fin
Youth as Catalysts for Change
Young people are increasingly powerful agents of change, driving innovative solutions and advocating for progressive policies on a global scale. We aim to illuminate the pivotal role of youth in shaping policies worldwide, exploring their diverse contributions – such as involving first-time voters or training other young change-makers – and charting pathways for meaningful youth engagement in decision-making processes.//INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
09:00
-
12:00
Youth as Catalysts for Change
+1
Dem
Energy Beyond Borders: Industry Partnerships for a Sustainable Future
Envision a future where sustainable energy powers Europe’s industry. Explore how partnerships between industry, green energy producers, and public stakeholders are tackling climate challenges and enhance economies along with innovations such as cross-border Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Join us to shape Europe’s energy future and drive collective action towards a greener future.
09:00
-
12:00
Energy Beyond Borders: Industry Partnerships for a Sustainable Future
Cli
Afternoon
War in Ukraine: Recent Developments and Scenarios for the Future
Two and a half years after Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, an end of the war is still not in sight. Listen to an analysis of the current military situation and discuss its implications for Ukraine’s reconstruction, EU and NATO accession and options for peace. //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and sufficient water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
14:00
-
16:30
War in Ukraine: Recent Developments and Scenarios for the Future
Sec
Supporting a Balanced and Sustainable Diet
A balanced diet should provide all macro- and micronutrients a person needs to remain healthy. Food’s affordability and accessibility often stand as barriers. At the same time, we need to ensure that food is produced in a way that creates a more resilient future of our planet and its people. So how can the dietary needs over the human lifespan be addressed in a sustainable manner?
14:00
-
16:30
Supporting a Balanced and Sustainable Diet
+2
Cli
Finding a New Balance in Times of Crises: Trade and Climate Relations between Europe and Africa
The EU has made commitments to support Africa in its climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. At the same time, the EU’s climate diplomacy actions could contribute to a potential slowing down of African economic growth. How can the two continents shape a relationship that advances decarbonisation without creating trade barriers, that is, a relationship that is reciprocal and fit for the challenges of the 21st century? //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and sufficient water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
14:00
-
16:30
Finding a New Balance in Times of Crises: Trade and Climate Relations between Europe and Africa
+2
Cli
Wednesday, 28. August
Morning
Vienna New Deal – Prospects for a Climate-Friendly Future
The climate crisis affects us in many ways and leads to dystopian visions of the future. The Vienna New Deal aims to counteract this and show prospects for a socio-ecological transformation. To this end, strategies for change will be developed that focus on the common good and climate protection and blueprint for a climate-friendly future, in which all people can lead a good life within the planetary boundaries.
09:00
-
12:00
Vienna New Deal – Prospects for a Climate-Friendly Future
+3
Cli
Shifting Paradigms: Use the Power of Your Personal Climate Handprint
The escalating climate crisis demands urgent action from as many people as possible. However, when it comes to climate action, many people feel powerless, overwhelmed, and frustrated. Framings that individualise responsibility, along with finger-pointing and blame-games, lead to guilt, repression, and inactivity. We will explore how the term “carbon footprint” has contributed to provoking this situation and how each of us can contribute to positive change effectively by applying the climate handprint concept.//INFO: Bring hiking shoes and sufficient water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
09:00
-
12:00
Shifting Paradigms: Use the Power of Your Personal Climate Handprint
+1
Cli
Disunited in Diversity: What Role for the EU in the Middle East?
Unlike in the case of the war in Ukraine, the EU has not been able to speak with one voice regarding the war in Gaza. Member states have been criticised for applying double standards regarding the two conflicts. How does this affect Europe’s credibility in the Middle East and beyond and what role can the EU play in fostering a sustainable peace? //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and sufficient water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
09:00
-
12:00
Disunited in Diversity: What Role for the EU in the Middle East?
+4
Sec
Afternoon
Europe’s Scale-Up Challenge: How to Grow Up in Europe?
European innovation thrives at the start-up level, yet many promising ventures often stumble at the scale-up stage compared to their US and Scandinavian counterparts. Join an interactive discussion on the financing bottlenecks that European entrepreneurs face when trying to scale up their businesses and find ways to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that unlocks Europe’s investment potential. //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
14:00
-
16:30
Europe’s Scale-Up Challenge: How to Grow Up in Europe?
+3
Fin
Understand Forces of Nature, Experience Disaster Prevention
During this practical excursion, participants will gain an insight into the implementation of torrent and avalanche control disaster protection in Austria and neighbouring countries, visit protective structures and experience how to deal with natural disasters in crisis situations in a simulated briefing.//INFO: Takes place in all weathers, come in weatherproof clothing and footwear, regional catering, Attention: Start not at the CCA but at the secondary school!
14:00
-
16:30
Understand Forces of Nature, Experience Disaster Prevention
Cli
Sec
Stop, Look and Listen: Sensing Nature
Conserving biodiversity and our ecosystem for the future requires respect for and a deeper understanding of the natural world – and it all starts with listening and looking intently. Learn to reconnect more deeply with your environment and your fellow beings by experimenting with sound and found material. Immerse yourself in the sensory environment of the local forest. //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water.
14:00
-
16:30
Stop, Look and Listen: Sensing Nature
+1
Art
Cli
Addressing the Paradox: Demographic Trends vs. Migration Fears
Europe's population is ageing, labour markets are evolving and the demand for immigrant labour grows accordingly. Yet concerns and anxieties about migration persist. Join us as we navigate this paradox and examine how societies and governments can strike a balance between tackling demographic imperatives and addressing fears about immigration.//INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
14:00
-
16:30
Addressing the Paradox: Demographic Trends vs. Migration Fears
+2
Dem
Fin
Thursday, 29. August
Morning
Setting the Agenda: EU Reform Priorities for the Next Commission
Europe is at a critical juncture ahead of the appointment of the next European Commission. We have to collectively outline EU reform priorities, including potential treaty change, that will shape the future of the continent. Let's jointly explore a course towards a strong and democratic Europe.//INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
09:00
-
12:00
Setting the Agenda: EU Reform Priorities for the Next Commission
+2
Dem
Rethinking (Wealth) Taxation
The increase in income and wealth inequality poses a serious challenge to impoverished individuals and threatens both social mobility and economic stability. Taxation and other redistributive mechanisms can counteract these dynamics. Explore the crucial role of the state in addressing the dynamics that drive inequality. //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
09:00
-
12:00
Rethinking (Wealth) Taxation
+3
Dem
Fin
Afternoon
The Externalisation of EU Migration Management: Out of Sight, Out of Mind?
In order to curb irregular migration, the EU has concluded several agreements with third countries such as Turkey, Tunisia and most recently Egypt. There are also discussions on transferring asylum seekers to purportedly safe third countries and processing their asylum applications there like the UK plans to do in Rwanda. Does this approach work and is it compatible with European values? //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
14:00
-
16:30
The Externalisation of EU Migration Management: Out of Sight, Out of Mind?
Dem
Sec
Untapping Potential and Strengthening Cohesion: Energy Transition in EU Candidate Countries
Nine countries are currently in line for EU membership, and their EU integration process in terms of climate and energy goals is already underway. By looking at cases from the broader region, this session showcases the opportunities of jointly engaging in the energy transition. It will outline how the EU and candidate countries can together foster cohesion and enhance Europe’s energy security and resilience.//INFO: Bring hiking shoes and sufficient water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
14:00
-
16:30
Untapping Potential and Strengthening Cohesion: Energy Transition in EU Candidate Countries
Cli