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
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
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? //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of bad weather, shuttles will bring you to the location
09:00
-
12:00
Let's Talk to Each Other: Impulses in a Speechless World
+2
Sec
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
+4
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
+3
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. //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of bad weather, shuttles will bring you to the location.
09:00
-
12:00
Energy Beyond Borders: Industry Partnerships for a Sustainable Future
+4
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 (Volksschule).
14:00
-
16:30
War in Ukraine: Recent Developments and Scenarios for the Future
+4
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? //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of bad weather, shuttles will bring you to the location.
14:00
-
16:30
Supporting a Balanced and Sustainable Diet
+3
Cli
Wednesday, 28. August
Morning
Vienna New Deal – Prospects for a Climate-Friendly Future
The European Forum Alpbach hike “Vienna New Deal – Prospects for a Climate-Friendly Future: What it takes to get things going” invites participants to reflect on what fields of action are needed for a social-ecological transformation. After a welcome and introduction by Jürgen Czernohorszky, two different impulses along the hike will show fields of action and specific approaches for a climate-just future. Introduction and Framing: Bold visions for change: “Wien New Deal” by Jürgen CzernohorszkyInput: We need to enable local actors to become agents of change by Roxana Dela FiamorInput: We need positive visions of the future by Sithara Pathirana.Input: We need truly democratic societies to create a sustainable transition by Luisa Neubauer. Finally, the group will gather at “Rossmoos” where the keynote speakers will bring together their perspectives in a fishbowl panel discussion. Participants are invited to take a seat in the open chair of the panel and add their perspectives. Participants are encouraged to define “Visions for Action”: concrete steps they can take as individuals and/or in their professional role to achieve the jointly sketched vision of the future. //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of bad weather, shuttles will bring you to the location.
09:00
-
12:00
Vienna New Deal – Prospects for a Climate-Friendly Future
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?
+3
Sec
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
Afternoon
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: The excursion takes place in all weathers, so please come in weatherproof clothing and footwear. There is regional catering. //Attention: Start is not at the CCA, but at the Mittelschule!
14:00
-
17:00
Understand Forces of Nature, Experience Disaster Prevention
+3
Cli
Sec
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
+4
Dem
Fin
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
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. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place in the Schulhäusl
14:00
-
16:30
Stop, Look and Listen: Sensing Nature
+1
Art
Cli
Thursday, 29. August
Morning
Rethinking (Wealth) Taxation
The increase in income and wealth inequality poses a serious challenge to social cohesion, 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 income and wealth 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
Venture Capital for Climate Tech: Empowering the Energy Transition
The session sheds light on the role of VCs in the energy transition. "Climate" and "sustainability" dominated seed investments in Europe in 2023. Additionally, Europe has surpassed the USA in new tech startups for five years and attracts more international talent than it loses. We invite you to discuss the challenges and opportunities from the perspective of investors and startups.
09:00
-
12:00
Venture Capital for Climate Tech: Empowering the Energy Transition
+3
Cli
Fin
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
+3
Dem
Afternoon
Investing in Innovation: Toward a Capital Markets Union for Europe
The re-election speech of Ursula von der Leyen made it clear: the word of the year in Europe is competitiveness. From joint letters, bold statements to policy papers, the consensus is clear. Europe needs to compete, and it can only do so if it finally creates a single market for capital to fund its innovation. At this hike participants are invited to a bold discussion about Europe's key priorities.
14:00
-
16:30
Investing in Innovation: Toward a Capital Markets Union for Europe
+3
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?
+3
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
+3
Cli