The Vienna Energy Forum (VEF) is a biennial global, multi-stakeholder forum with the objective of exploring developmental challenges within the realm of sustainable energy. The Forum introduces a platform for policy- and decision-makers from all sectors of society to conceive practical solutions to sustainability issues.
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, the 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.
VEF 2018 Special Session
Powering Innovation for Prosperity
The VEF 2018 Special Session took place at the Vienna International Center in Vienna, Austria, on 14th May 2018 to contribute to the HLPF review of SDG 7. Over 350 leaders from governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society and the private sector attended plenary sessions, high-level round tables, side events and special events organized around the themes of energy system transformation, climate and clean energy technology and innovation, and delivering prosperity through partnerships.
Vienna Energy Forum 2017
Implementation of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement
The fifth Vienna Energy Forum (VEF) 2017 was held from 9 to 12 May 2017, at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) and the Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna. It was attended by over 1,650 participants from 128 countries, including government, private sector and development finance institutions representatives.
The discussions emphasized on the importance of the linkages between climate and development, the synergies among the SDGs, and the joint and integrated approaches for a successful implementation.
Vienna Energy Forum 2015
Sustainable Energy for Inclusive Development
The Vienna Energy Forum (VEF) 2015 brought together around 1,700 participants from more than 80 countries, including 25 ministers, high-level dignitaries, policymakers, experts and representatives from the private sector and civil society under the theme “Sustainable Energy for Inclusive Development”. Over the two-and-a-half-day conference, delegates were addressed by more than 100 eminent speakers in a series of ministerial gatherings, high-level panels, plenary and parallel sessions
Vienna Energy Forum 2013
One Year after Rio+20: The Energy Future We Want
The Vienna Energy Forum (VEF) 2013 brought together around 1,600 participants from 116 countries, including 20 ministers, high-level dignitaries, policymakers, experts and representatives from the private sector and civil society under the theme “One year after Rio+20: the energy future we want.” Over the two-and-a-half-day conference, delegates were addressed by 110 eminent speakers and experts in a series of ministerial gatherings, high-level panels, plenary and parallel sessions.
Vienna Energy Forum 2011
Energy for All - Time for Action
The Vienna Energy Forum (VEF) 2011 “Energy for all –time for action” co-organized by UNIDO, the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs and the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), brought together some 1,200 participants from 125 countries representing policymakers, civil servants, scientists, energy experts and NGOs. The conference, which was held over two and a half days in the Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna, consisted of two high-level panels, five plenary sessions and six round tables.
Vienna Energy Conference 2009
Towards an Integrated Energy Agenda Beyond 2020: Securing Sustainable Policies and Investments.
The Vienna Energy Conference—Towards an Integrated Energy Agenda Beyond 2020—co-organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Austrian Government, and the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), brought together 778 participants from 93 countries, representing policymakers, civil servants, scientists, energy experts, and NGOs. The Conference, held over two and half days at the Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna, consisted of five plenary sessions, six parallel sessions, and one high-level panel.