"Arnie" wants more action and less complaining at the Austrian World Summit in Vienna Hofburg

In his opening speech at the Austrian World Summit in the Vienna Hofburg, Arnold Schwarzenegger once again called for more "action" and less "whining." "People are tired of doom and gloom. They want hope, they want leadership," explained "Arnie."

Van der Bellen at Austrian World Summit: "If we want to save the planet, we must act"

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who has supported the summit from the beginning, compared the current situation to a science fiction scenario: "Imagine: All over the world - even here in Vienna - the sky suddenly darkens. UFOs with hostile aliens emerge from the clouds, beginning to attack the Earth," the head of state outlined. In the movies, humanity would recognize the threat and come together to tackle the danger collectively. "Perhaps there is a grain of truth in this fiction," Van der Bellen suggested. Even with the climate emergency, there can only be a joint solution. "When it comes to survival, it no longer matters what opinions divide us. What counts is that everyone participates. If we want to save the planet, we must act," said the Federal President.

Austrian World Summit: Stocker for Climate Protection and Economy

Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) also called for prioritizing what unites us over what divides us. "Only together can we work towards a better future, ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable." It is important to frame the climate issue positively and focus on solutions. Politics has the task of setting the right course: climate protection measures must go hand in hand with economic development. It is not about sacrifice, but about innovation. The Chancellor once again committed to climate neutrality by 2040. Schwarzenegger noted a peculiarity of Austrian domestic politics. "Every year you come here and see a new chancellor. I've met them all," said the actor. "But you are without a doubt the most current," he joked towards Stocker.

Then the British ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair joined Schwarzenegger on stage. According to Blair, what is needed above all is the right communication, as adequate climate technology is already available: "Ultimately, people want a world without pollution. The task of leaders is to convince them that what they want can be achieved." The ex-Prime Minister saw potential in Artificial Intelligence, among other things, but also in the use of nuclear power. EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra emphasized the role of the EU. "In fact, we now have the great opportunity to solve many of the problems we face. By strengthening our position as a clean superpower, the EU will boost its competitiveness and productivity and create enormous benefits for our citizens," said Hoekstra.

Emergency Services in the Spotlight at Austrian World Summit in Vienna Hofburg

Although the guest list was very prominent, including the former Prime Minister of Great Britain, Tony Blair, and ex-tennis ace Dominic Thiem, the focus of the summit this year was primarily on emergency services who are on the front lines fighting the impacts of the climate crisis. For example, Vienna fire officer Viktoria Zechmeister and Firefighter Captain Dom Bei from Santa Monica (California) spoke. Both were deployed in extreme weather events last year. Zechmeister was challenged by the major flood in Austria last summer, while Bei dealt with the large fires in Los Angeles.

500 Students from All Over Austria at Austrian World Summit in Vienna Hofburg

Another focus was on involving young people. Around 500 students from all over Austria also participated in the conference. There was also a musical highlight: The world premiere of the new song "I'll be Back" by The BossHoss featuring Schwarzenegger was on the program on the summit stage.

(APA/Red)

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