Under the motto “re:imagine CSR,” the corporate platform respACT invited people to a major anniversary event at Bank Austria’s UniCredit Center on Kaiserwasser in Vienna.
Around 400 participants and 50 experts from business, politics, science and civil society exchanged ideas on current challenges and future-oriented solutions for sustainable corporate development.
Daniela Knieling, Managing Director of respACT, emphasized the significance of the anniversary: "Our anniversary is a symbol of how far we've come and how much we still have ahead of us. Sustainability is not a project, but an ongoing process that we shape with passion. Especially now, when ecological, social, and economic challenges are more complex than ever, it becomes clear how important collaboration and innovation are. Only together can we create the framework companies need to operate successfully and responsibly in the long term."
“Sustainability is not a project”
As Austria's largest platform for corporate responsibility, csrTAG offered a diverse program with high-profile keynotes, practical panels, and interactive sessions. Following the official welcome, during which former respACT Vice President Herta Stockbauer was awarded honorary membership, Marcus J. Scott (CEPS) and Maria Lein (Confederation of Austrian Industries) delivered the opening keynote speech, which addressed European policy developments in the area of sustainability. Representatives from renowned companies such as Holcim, Simacek, Ankerbrot, and UniCredit Bank Austria subsequently discussed how social transformation is changing the corporate world.
Peter Giffinger, President of respACT, emphasized the importance of csrTAG in challenging times: "csrTAG is not just a platform for exchange, but a compass that shows where we stand as a business and society. We are in economically challenging times – with rising costs, geopolitical uncertainties, and great pressure for transformation. But precisely for this reason, we must not view sustainability as a mere add-on, something we only afford in good years. It is a crucial factor for resilience and competitiveness."
A special focus was placed on climate-friendly supply chains. Andreas Maier (Crowe) and Christof Fuchs (myclimate) provided insights into how climate protection can be successfully implemented in global value chains. Other key topics such as the circular economy, sustainable financing, decarbonization, and the influence of artificial intelligence on sustainable corporate strategies shaped the entire program and provided strong impetus for the future.
After the networking lunch break, the event continued with innovative formats. Thomas Schwabl (Marketagent) reflected on the social opportunities and risks of AI. The subsequent sessions presented practical examples – from the transformation of Kwizda Agro to strategies for implementing the CSRD and innovative solutions for CO₂ reduction in companies. A special highlight was the speed networking session with LEGO® Serious Play®, which encouraged exchange and networking among participants in a playful way.
Inspiring closing thoughts
In the final panel “re:imagine CSR”, Stefan Thurner (Complexity Science Hub) and Katharina Rogenhofer (KONTEXT Institute) examined the challenges of complex systems and demonstrated how sustainable transformation can succeed even in dynamic times.
Marion Morales Albiñana-Rosner, Member of the Board of Wealth Management & Private Banking at host UniCredit Bank Austria, also expressed her delight: "It was a pleasure to welcome so many dedicated participants from business, politics, academia, and civil society to the UniCredit Center at Kaiserwasser on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of csrTAG. csrTAG has once again demonstrated the importance of exchanging ideas about sustainable business."
The day concluded with a celebratory anniversary evening with snacks and networking, where participants had the opportunity to continue the day's discussions in a relaxed atmosphere.