Opening Session

The VEF Founding Partners; namely, the Government of Austria, UNIDO, and IIASA, will deliver the opening and welcome remarks.
Across the world, countries are faced with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deploy COVID-19 recovery packages and stimulus plans that will tackle immediate economic and public health priorities while building a strong foundation for achieving SDGs 7 and 13, and net-zero emissions by 2050. These spotlights will highlight the dynamics of the regional energy landscape, outline post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts, and high- light efforts to accelerate the climate agenda. Regional Energy Commissioners will cast a spotlight on the work underway in Europe and Africa.