The European Forum Alpbach 2024 will address four central challenges of our time.
Climate
Living within planetary boundaries
Our ecosystem sets the ecological budget for all human activities. To preserve and regenerate our planet’s biospheres, we need to shift our economy from continuous growth expectations towards striking a balance between humans, technology and nature.
Climate action without borders
It is essential to consider the universality of climate policies. Climate action at an unprecedented scope will only happen if people across all strata of society feel that they are invited to step up and the burden of the crisis is shared fairly. Social and global cohesion and a solution-driven and just transition are the basis for reaching global climate targets.
Finance and economy
Financing innovation and the climate transition
Our transition to net-zero carbon emissions, the promotion of innovative companies that generate employment, and demographic change cannot be financed by banks alone. The mobilisation of different sources of financing and the development of a strong and fully integrated European capital market are crucial to ensure Europe’s prosperity.
Tackling economic and social inequalities
To counteract the negative effects of globalisation and technological change, businesses must collaborate with policymakers and civil society. Lifelong learning and upskilling, inclusive social and labour market policies and responsible business practices lead to a more equitable future for all.
For this reason, debates about #defendopensociety, #bettergovernance, #howtoparticipate and #(dis)informed are more necessary than ever.
Security
Strengthening European sovereignty and security
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine highlighted Europe’s dependence on the United States for security and defence and on Russia for energy. The EU needs to reduce those dependencies, increase its competitiveness and assume responsibility for its security. A geopolitical EU must also be able to solve conflicts and provide for security in its neighbourhood.
International relations in a multipolar world
International relations are increasingly characterised by the rise of new powers, growing global competition and the erosion of multilateralism. At the same time, the pandemic, the climate crisis and the Russian war of aggression have shown how interconnected the world is. Europe should shape international relations in accordance with its interests and values and contribute to reinvigorating multilateralism.
Democracy and the rule of law
Working against polarisation and for social cohesion: The construction of enemy images within a society creates and reinforces fragmentation. This growing phenomenon is heightened by economic grievances, the changing social and media space, and attempts to capitalise on divisions. We must understand the causes of these dynamics in order to counteract them.
Building democratic resilience
In 2024, the voices advocating for representation, voter choice and accountability are growing more forceful. No democracy is immune to the challenges presented by anti-democratic forces. We need to protect our institutions, the rule of law and the rights and freedoms that underpin our democracy, and deepen civic engagement.
