
Sustainability Award for Transformation Forum
At the end of November, Ernst Fürlinger and Sarah Haider-Nash were honored with the 2024 „Sustainability Award“ in gold, in the „Cooperate“ category, for their leadership of the „Austrian Transformation Forum.“ The initiative is led by the Platform for Sustainable Development (SDGs) at the University of Continuing Education Krems. This prestigious award was jointly presented by the Ministry of Science and the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection. Since 2007, the two ministries have recognized creative, innovative, and impactful sustainability initiatives in the field of higher education and universities.
In March 2024, the inaugural „Austrian Transformation Forum“ convened representatives from 75 civil society organizations across diverse sectors. Through an innovative dialogue process, participants collaborated to envision sustainable pathways toward a good life on a habitable planet.
The jury commended the project for its groundbreaking transdisciplinary approach and its emphasis on including perspectives from the Global South, highlighting the urgent need for systemic socio-ecological transformation. The second edition of the Transformation Forum is scheduled for February 25–26, 2024, with a focus on soil protection and mobilizing civil society.
Photo © Sacha Gillen/Forum Environmental Education.
Presentation of the Sustainability Award: Elmar Pichl, Head of Section at the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, Cäcilia Regner, jury member, Ernst Fürlinger and Sarah Haider-Nash, Project leader of the „Austrian Transformation Forum“ of the Platform for Sustainable Development (SDGs) at the University for Continuing Education Krems, Christian Holzer, Head of Section at the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology.