The summer universities AEMS and GBS were officially launched this year with a celebratory Opening Event on "Democracy in a changing climate" on 16 July at BOKU University Vienna, welcoming a total of 180 interested visitors:
After the warm opening words by Gernot Stöglehner (BOKU University) and Sabine Kamill (Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism), and the welcome speech by Günther Jedliczka (OeAD student housing), this year's 102 participants from 48 nations were given a festive welcome by Program Managers Carina Kamptner (AEMS) and Barbara Mayr (GBS).
Afterwards, various perspectives on the key topic of the evening were discussed:
Thomas Thaler (BOKU University) gave a convincing presentation on the importance of involving more vulnerable groups in the global transformation. Doris Österreicher (University of Stuttgart) then gave inspiring insights on how and why we build and should build, providing a hands-on mentality and hopeful outlook. Valerie Huber (actress, activist, author) picked up from there, to inspire people to take action themselves, whereas Michaela Krömer (attorney-at-law) focused on the effects of the climate crisis at an individual level and the climate lawsuit against the Austrian state. All speakers were keen on sharing their perspectives and insights with the audience in the following and concluding panel discussion.
With that, we are excited about the successful start of this year's summer universities and are looking forward to the coming weeks!
