Get ready for the second edition of this collaborative and transformational event, which unites cities, governments and industry to explore how technology and innovation can support Europe’s climate action goals.
Europe has long been at the forefront of global efforts to tackle climate change and following the publication of the IPCC’s synthesis report, the EU has reaffirmed its commitment to ambitious climate action and to continue leading on the path of climate neutrality. The EU acknowledges, however, that more must be done to accelerate efforts.
Through its vision set out in the EU Green Deal and the preparatory path offered by the Fit for 55 package, the EU’s climate policy is based on clear targets and measures that aim to reduce emissions, increase the use of renewable energy sources, and improve energy efficiency. Policymakers have also reiterated the importance of different technologies as an enabler of climate action efforts.
This year’s conference will again convene different stakeholder groups, including policymakers from the EU and Member States, local government, industry representatives, NGOs, and academia, to explore the role of technology and innovation more broadly in supporting Europe’s climate action goals.
The conference will give particular attention to the role of technology in its support for decarbonising different industries, the transition to clean energy, and increasing energy efficiency. We will also explore the wider support that is required to meet these goals and those set out more broadly in the Green Deal Industrial Plan and the Green Deal, including the type of regulatory environment that is required, easier and faster access to finance, as well as enhancing the necessary skills to enable the green and digital transition.
“Climate change is one of the most pressing long term challenges of our time. Technology and innovation have an important role to play in helping to address it, and this conference is an opportunity for relevant actors to come together and join forces.”
~ Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries.
Keynote Video Presentation:
Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans & Fisheries, European Commission (confirmed)
Keynote Presentation:
Stephen Quest, Director General, Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission (confirmed)
Keynote Presentation:
Markku Markkula, Vice President and Rapporteur for “A new Innovation Agenda for Europe”, European Committee of the Regions (confirmed)
To remain a global climate and technology leader, Europe must overcome key economic and social challenges. This session will focus on these key challenges and the opportunities presented by overcoming them. Speakers are encouraged to give particular attention to ways we can achieve a more simplified regulatory environment, faster and easier access to finance for tech and climate entrepreneurs, and a more equitable and just outcome for all citizens and businesses, leaving no-one behind.
Speakers:
Ville Niinistö MEP, Rapporteur for LULUCF Regulation; and Shadow Rapporteur for Renewable Energy Directive; Member of the ENVI Committee, Group of the Greens, European Parliament (confirmed)
Maria Teresa Fabregas Fernandez, Director, Recovery & Resilience Task Force, European Commission (confirmed)
Krista Kampus, Executive Director of Tallinn – European Green Capital 2023, City of Tallinn (confirmed)
Britta Behrendt, State Secretary for Climate Protection and the Environment, City of Berlin (confirmed)
Additional speaker to be confirmed
Keynote Presentation:
Paloma Aba Garrote, Director, Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, European Commission (confirmed)
Technology plays a key role in driving the clean energy transition and recent innovations have ensured the efficiency and affordability of new renewable energy systems. Furthermore, breakthroughs in energy storage technologies have addressed the intermittency challenge of renewable sources, enabling a more reliable and consistent energy supply. This session will look at the different technologies that are supporting the clean energy transition, including, but not limited to, smart grid technologies, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies and low-carbon fuels. Speakers will also consider how the EU and Member States are implementing policies to drive the clean energy transition, including the establishment of a grand coalition of stakeholders. We will explore the work that still needs to be done for Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This includes the EU’s highly anticipated 2040 milestone targets set to be announced in early 2024.
Speakers:
Paula Pinho, Director, Just Transition, Consumers, Energy Efficiency & Innovation, DG ENER, European Commission (confirmed)
Emma Wiesner MEP, Shadow Rapporteur, EU ETS, Renew Group, European Parliament (confirmed)
Rodrigo Fernandes, Director for Empowering Sustainable Development Goals, Bentley Systems (confirmed)
Aušrinė Vitkutė, Mission Cities Coordinator, Climate Neutral Vilnius, City of Vilnius (confirmed)
Additional speaker to be confirmed
The amount of global e-waste is increasing at a dramatic rate, and it is contributing to a staggering increase in global health and environmental issues. Yet, governments are playing a significant role in addressing the e-waste problem by leveraging circular solutions and sustainable procurement processes.
Participants will discuss a recent proven example implemented by the Dutch Government and consider how the actions of a few governments can have a hugely positive impact globally.
Speakers:
Barton Finn, Purchaser Engagement Manager, TCO Development (Moderator. Confirmed)
Joost De Kluijver, Founder, Closing The Loop (confirmed)
Albert Geuchies, CSR Advisor, Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture & Science (confirmed)
Keynote Presentation:
Pearse O’Donohue, Director, Future Networks, DG CONNECT, European Commission (confirmed)
Future connectivity solutions and systems provide the infrastructure and capabilities necessary to enable a greener and more sustainable society. This session will explore the energy efficient nature of future connectivity solutions, and the environmental impact of their applications, including, but not limited to, the benefits of smart transportation and autonomous vehicles, smart manufacturing, precision agriculture and energy-efficient buildings.
Speakers:
Peter Dunn, Director of European Relations, Cullen International (Moderator. Confirmed)
Johannes Theiss, Team Leader – Policy Coordinator, DG CONNECT, European Commission (confirmed)
Filipe Batista, Coordinator Digital and Telecommunications, Portuguese Permanent Representation to the European Union (confirmed)
Additional speakers to be confirmed
We are starting to see the impact of AI across many areas of society, including the workplace, economy, and the technologies we use each day. However, how can we leverage AI to support a more sustainable future? This session will explore the potential of AI in supporting EU climate goals. Participants will consider some of the applications of AI and the positive impact these can have in helping to support climate objectives. Participants will also discuss the transparency and human element that is required to ensure we use AI responsibly.
Speakers:
Gustav Kalbe, Director, Digital Excellence & Science Infrastructure, DG CONNECT, European Commission (confirmed)
Jeremy Rollison, Head of EU Policy & Senior Director, European Government Affairs, Microsoft (confirmed)
Bernard Lebelle, CEO, The Green Link (confirmed)
Representative, European Parliament (tbc)
Representative, City/Member State (tbc)
Additional industry speaker to be confirmed
With the window of opportunity closing, space-based technologies and applications offer enormous, new potential for supporting a greener future on Earth by revolutionising our approach to tackling a number of environmental challenges. This session will bring together different stakeholders from the policy and industry communities to explore how they are working together to maximise the positive impact of space based technologies on supporting the EU’s wider climate goals.
Speakers:
Aarti-Holla-Maini, Incoming Director, Office for Outer Space Affairs, United Nations (confirmed)
Dušan Chrenek, Principal Advisor – Digital for the Green Transition, DG CLIMA, European Commission (confirmed)
Niklas Nienaß MEP, Group of the Greens, European Parliament (confirmed)
Additional speakers to be confirmed
More information to follow
To discuss speaking opportunities at the event, please contact:
Tom Chinnock at tom.chinnock@techforclimateaction.com / +44 (0) 7785 795 015.
![BentleyLOGO_BLK_complete[32]](https://techforclimateaction.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BentleyLOGO_BLK_complete32.png)
Applies to: Corporate, Trade Association, Law / Public Affairs Firm
until 9th October
from 10th October
Applies to: NGO/Not-for-Profit
until 9th October
from 10th October
Applies to: Academic / Student
until 9th October
from 10th October
Applies to: European Commission / Parliament / Council, EU Permanent Representatives, National Government / Regulator & Diplomatic Mission to the EU, Local Government / City Officials, Press
Disclaimer: The content of this website has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States
Venue: Stanhope Hotel
Brussels, Belgium
For more information on any aspect of this event, please contact Tom Chinnock using any of the details below:
tom.chinnock@techforclimateaction.com
Tel: +44 (0) 7785 795 015
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Stephen Quest, Director General, Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission 
Pearse O’Donohue, Director, Future Networks, DG CONNECT, European Commission 
Britta Behrendt State Secretary for Climate Protection and the Environment, City of Berlin 
Krista Kampus Executive Director of Tallinn - European Green Capital 2023, City of Tallinn 
Dušan Chrenek Principal Advisor, Digital for the Green Transition, DG CLIMA, European Commission 
Rodrigo Fernandes Director, Empowering Sustainable Development Goals, Bentley Systems 
Joost De Kluijver Founder, Closing the Loop