The Austrian World Summit (AWS) is a prominent international climate conference held annually in Vienna, Austria, under the leadership of the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative (SCI). Co-founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Monika Langthaler. The AWS serves as a dynamic platform for connecting global leaders, youth, civil society, and the private sector to advance bold climate solutions. Its primary mission is to contribute to achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by facilitating dialogue and showcasing practical, scalable environmental actions.
The ninth edition of the Austrian World Summit took place on June 3, 2025, at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. With the powerful motto “Unite in Action - Terminate Pollution,” this year’s summit focused on accelerating global responses to environmental degradation through collective leadership and grassroots innovation. The event emphasized the roles of “first responders” those facing the immediate impacts of climate-related disasters, as both victims and heroes of the climate crisis. Their stories were highlighted to motivate urgent, transformative policy and action.
Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered a compelling keynote address, challenging global complacency with the memorable phrase: “Stop whining. Whining doesn’t change anything. Get to work.” His direct and pragmatic tone captured the summit’s spirit of action over rhetoric.
Notably, we had the opportunity to attend the 2025 AWS in person with the Climate Policy Institute and our students. The experience was both educational and inspiring. It allowed us to interact with leading climate experts, engage in solution-oriented discussions, and experience firsthand the power of international cooperation in climate policy. From the plenary sessions to side events and the innovative Solutions Expo, the summit offered a vibrant learning environment that enriched our academic work and personal commitment to sustainability.
