Invitation-DialogEnt

DIALOGENTWICKLUNG
AN EVENT OF THE AUSTRIAN DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Get Active – Innovation as a Global Goal
Date:
Time:
Location:
April 29, 2016
9:00 a.m. – 10.30 a.m.
Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank, Reitersaal
Strauchgasse 3, 1010 Vienna
Programme
Welcome and Opening Remarks
 Andrea Hagmann, Member of the Executive Board Oesterreichische
Entwicklungsbank AG (OeEB, Development Bank of Austria)
 Martin Ledolter, Managing Director of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA)
Introduction
 Michael Linhart, Secretary-General, Austrian Ministry for Europe, Integration and
Foreign Affairs
Keynote Address
 Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN
Expert Discussion
 David Nabarro, Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development
 Yong Li, Director General, UNIDO
 Axel Kühner, CEO, Greiner Holding AG
 Selma Prodanovic, Business Angel, Brainswork, “1millionstartups”
Facilitator: Amira Awad-Grabner, journalist, Puls 4
Following the discussion, Martin Ledolter invites participants and guests for refreshments.
Please register at [email protected]; due to limited space, only registered guests can
be admitted. The location of this event is accessible for people with physical impairments.
the operational unit of the Austrian Development Cooperation,
Zelinkagasse 2, 1010 Vienna, Phone: +43 (0)1 90399–0, [email protected], www.entwicklung.at
Get Active – Innovation as a Global Goal
After more than two years of preparation, the international community has adopted Agenda 2030 as its
new vision for the planet’s sustainable future. 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their
169 sub goals are to show the way on how to get there. Now the real work begins: How are
governments planning the implementation of this new vision? How does the development community
adapt its reference frameworks and mobilize stakeholders beyond those already on board?
Goal Nine is a case in point: No one will dispute that building reliable infrastructure, fostering inclusive
and sustainable industrialization and supporting innovation are indispensable building blocks for
sustainable development. Creating and securing access to affordable basic social services and
utilities, matched with technological innovation and ICT solutions, will allow people around the world to
be more self-determined and to have a better life in the future, especially when it comes to the poorest
segments of the population.
In this context, there is little doubt that Goal Nine has much to offer to the private sector in terms of
applying its creativity for the common good. Also, it is closely linked to Goal 8 – decent work and
responsible economic growth – and Goal 12 – responsible consumption and production, both of which
tie into the same objectives. But what will get private finance interested to invest in this public good?
Definitely, policy makers and the business community need to engage in an honest exchange of views
about mutual expectations and concerns. In other words: Getting active makes sense only once
mutual roles and common ground have been defined. Technological, organizational or social
innovation especially needs incentives and room to realize its full potential for people and planet.
In this context, invited experts will share their views and observations on how best to tackle the
challenge of translating theory into practice when it comes to promoting innovative practices that help
to fulfil development goals and at the same time fit sound business practices. Some examples for
innovative solutions already put into practice will be presented to enrich the discussion, especially
regarding the inclusion of young entrepreneurs, encourage the pioneering of new ideas and assist
start-ups in putting their visions into practice.
Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN. Eliasson’s distinguished career as a Swedish
diplomat culminated in his serving as Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2006. From January 2007 to July
2008, Eliasson was the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Darfur. In 2012, Jan Eliasson was
appointed Deputy Secretary-General of the UN by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
David Nabarro, Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development. Dr. Nabarro has more than 30 years of experience in public health, nutrition and
development work at the national, regional and global levels.
Yong Li, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Mr. Li
previously served as Vice-Minister of Finance of the People’s Republic of China and was a member of
the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank, and looks back at a distinguished career as a
senior economic and financial policy-maker.
Axel Kühner, is CEO of Greiner Holding AG. The Greiner Group is one of the leading companies in
the plastic and foam industry. Diversification, innovation and internationalization characterize the
success of the Group in the Austrian plastic industry. In addition, Mr. Kühner is the deputy chairman of
the committee for education and social policy as well as a member of the committee for research,
technology and innovation within the Austrian Industrial Association.
Selma Prodanovic, Business Angel, is the founder and CEO of Brainswork, a consultancy for startups specializing in social entrepreneurs, creative and green industries as well as initiator of
“1millionstartups”.
Invitation / DialogEntwicklung / Page 2

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