About
Background and General Information
Since its founding in 2008 by a joint initiative of the Austrian Government, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, VEF has assembled thinkers and practitioners from all over the world to discuss practical solutions to sustainable development challenges and pave the way for tangible partnerships on the ground.
OUR VALUES
GLOBAL
Each of the VEF sessions incorporates regional and national circumstances, grounding the discussion in the realities and needs of countries around the world.
Accordingly, topics and participants are selected to address issues of strategy, policy and implementation, including finance, governance and institutions
GREEN
As an international event, focusing on sustainable development challenges and speaking to a global audience, the VEF follows international standards that ensure sustainability in different areas, including:
- mobility and climate protection
- event venue, procurement, material & waste management
- trade-fair stand builders
GENDER MAINSTREAMING
As an integral part of inclusive and sustainable development, gender mainstreaming is a crucial element within the planning, execution and follow-up phases of the VEF. This implies the integration of gender perspective and balance in panels, speaker selection and advocacy efforts.