Climate Solutions from East Africa at the Austrian World Summit 2026

• Solar Pledge East Africa (SPEA): A programme that improves access to reliable solar energy for schools and health facilities in Uganda and Kenya while strengthening local capacities for energy planning, maintenance and long-term management of renewable energy systems. Building on the current pilot phase, we are currently fundraising for a new project that will expand solar energy access and environmental education in schools across both countries.

• SCENE Uganda: Together with Caritas MADDO, we promote energy-efficient cookstoves for households and schools. The project reduces firewood consumption by more than 60%, lowers exposure to harmful smoke and contributes to measurable greenhouse gas emission reductions. The initiative is financed in part through carbon credits generated by these verified emission reductions and marketed through Klima-Kollekte Austria, creating a sustainable financing mechanism that supports ongoing stove maintenance and repair services.

The Summit provided an excellent opportunity to connect with businesses, foundations, climate organisations and other stakeholders interested in practical climate solutions. The many conversations at our stand highlighted the growing interest in approaches that combine environmental protection with social impact.

The conference programme itself offered a wealth of inspiration. Speakers included prominent figures such as Kamala Harris, former Vice President of the United States, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and actor and environmental advocate Richard Gere. Discussions covered topics ranging from renewable energy and innovation to spirituality, climate action and sustainable development.

This year's Summit was held under the motto “We Are Unstoppable.” In his opening remarks, Arnold Schwarzenegger captured the spirit of the event with a simple message: “Only renewables are reliable.” He emphasised that renewable energy is not only a climate solution but also a pathway towards greater independence, security and resilience.

To engage visitors at our stand, we organised a short solar energy quiz focusing on the impact of renewable energy in schools and health facilities across East Africa. Participants tested their knowledge on questions such as how reliable electricity improves learning conditions and why solar power is essential for vaccine refrigeration and healthcare services in remote areas.

One lucky participant left with more than new knowledge: the winner of the quiz received a solar power bank as a prize and was delighted to take home a small piece of renewable energy technology.

We would like to thank the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative for the invitation and all visitors who stopped by our stand. The Austrian World Summit once again demonstrated that effective climate action depends on innovative ideas, strong partnerships and people willing to work together towards practical solutions.