Mission
The Vienna Civil Societies International Event on Civil Society Diplomacy aims to convene global civil society leaders, diplomatic missions, institutional partners, and policy experts in Vienna to advance inclusive, multilateral dialogue and strengthen the role of civil society within international governance frameworks.Taking place from 17–21 August 2026 at the Austria Center Vienna, this five-day international meeting will bring together 200 participants from across the world to exchange professional insights, build strategic partnerships, and contribute to Vienna’s profile as a leading global meeting destination.Aligned with the strategic goals of the Vienna Meeting Fund 2025–2028, the event supports Vienna’s positioning as an innovation hub and international business location by attracting a significant proportion of international participants and fostering knowledge exchange that enhances the city’s diplomatic and economic ecosystem.
Objectives
- Facilitate High-Level Professional Exchange
Provide a structured platform for international experts and practitioners to engage in substantive discussions on civil society diplomacy, global cooperation, and sustainable development. - Strengthen Vienna’s International Meeting Profile
Contribute to Vienna’s role as a premier global meeting destination by attracting a predominantly international audience (minimum 50% of participants from abroad), in line with Vienna Meeting Fund eligibility criteria. - Promote Sustainable Event Standards
Demonstrate commitment to sustainable conferencing practices through implementation of eco-event measures (e.g., ÖkoEvent/Austrian Ecolabel certification) to maximise funding under both Module 1 and Module 2 of the Vienna Meeting Fund. - Foster Institutional Partner Engagement
Build pathways for long-term cooperation between civil society actors, Vienna-based institutions, international organisations, and diplomatic missions. - Deliver Practical Outcomes
Produce actionable recommendations, knowledge products, and post-event impact reporting that contribute to evidence-based policy dialogue and global partnerships. - Enhance Local Value Creation
Support Vienna’s visitor economy and local stakeholders by generating international overnight stays, business engagement, and cross-sector cooperation — a core objective of Vienna’s meetings strategy.
