Dozens of conferences, workshops, and roundtables on climate change

Climate Change Summit (CCS), the first and largest event in Central and Eastern Europe dedicated to climate change, transforms Bucharest on October 19th and 20th into ground zero for sustainable solutions. For 2 days, over 1500 participants, including innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, representatives of employer and business associations, civil society, as well as government officials and public administration representatives, come together for a common cause: identifying applicable solutions across multiple domains for the challenges posed by climate change.

On the first day of the event, held at the National Opera, more than 50 Romanian and international speakers will engage in panels and discussions on a sustainable future. Climate Change Summit features conferences, workshops, and roundtables at over 20 locations across Bucharest, exploring and shaping the future. Topics such as sustainability, innovation, climate policies, green finance, circular economy, nature conservation, and concrete actions in the fight against climate change are featured on the Climate Change Summit 2023 agenda.

With a full schedule of events and open registration, Climate Change Summit invites the public to join the regional initiative to combat the effects of climate change at climatechange-summit.org.

Conferences at universities: Exploring climate challenges

At Climate Change Summit, the conference session serves as a platform for in-depth discussions on key climate change topics. These conferences will take place at universities such as the National University of Science and Technology “Politehnica,” the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, the National School of Political and Administrative Studies, and the Romanian-American University. Conference themes include green startups, the intersection of climate change and artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture practices, and the energy transition with a focus on renewable energy sources. During these sessions, top experts, researchers, and industry leaders will share perspectives and solutions regarding sustainable practices and innovations in various fields.

Roundtables with government officials and business representatives for the future of climate policies

The discussions at the roundtables offer opportunities for concentrated and interactive dialogues on critical climate policy issues. Representatives from the Romanian Government, Parliament, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of the Environment, and the business sector, actively participate in these discussions, contributing to the development of climate policies and strategies. Topics addressed include international climate commitments, legislative approaches to climate change, research and development in energy technologies, and the role of local and central authorities in achieving sustainable development goals. These roundtables promote collaboration between government institutions and stakeholders in shaping climate policies.

Workshops and guided tours: Concrete actions against climate change

The workshops at Climate Change Summit provide participants with access to practical knowledge and active engagement. These sessions offer valuable insights and practical solutions focusing on regional climate strategies and green financing opportunities, as exemplified by the “CEE Climate Meeting” workshop at the Representation of the European Commission in Romania, where members of environmental organizations from Central and Eastern Europe meet to identify collaboration opportunities in the region. 

The “Conservation of Nature – A Bridge Between Urban and Rural” workshop, taking place in the Petricani natural area and including a guided tour, emphasizes the connection between urban and rural communities and the importance of natural heritage for community benefit. Meanwhile, the “Green Cities” workshop, hosted at the EFdeN NGO headquarters, focuses on sustainability education and the vital role of young people in climate action. 

Futurologist Ed Gillespie, writer, poet, and inspirational speaker, specializing in systemic thinking and changes, will host a workshop on literature and climate actions at Cărturești Verona. These workshops provide participants with practical tools to positively impact climate-related issues.

Climate Change Summit is organized by Social Innovation Solutions, an organization active in sustainability, social impact, and innovation, with the support of BRD Groupe Société Générale as the initiator and founding partner.

Climate Change Summit takes place in Bucharest on October 19th at the National Opera and on October 20th at 20 other locations in the city. The event is open to the public, and access is granted based on the pre-selection of applicants after completing a form on climatechange-summit.org website.

About Climate Change Summit

Climate Change Summit 2023 is organized by Social Innovation Solutions, together with BRD Groupe Société Générale, as founding partner, Auchan Romania as a strategic partner, Mastercard as climate partner, Romstal as a partner, and with the support of Société Générale Global Solutions,  Center, European Climate Foundation and EPG. Organizational partners include the Concordia Employers Confederation, the Foreign Investors Council, Romanian Business Leaders, the Coalition for the Circular Economy, the Sustainability Embassy, WWF Romania, EFdeN, the European Institute of Romania, the Leaders Foundation, Envisia, Europe Direct, GEYC, the Romanian Youth Council, Carbon Expert, Infoclima, Valea Verde, Global Shapers Bucharest Hub, Solutions, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Romania, the Romanian-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce.

Media Partners: Euronews, Stirileprotv.ro, Voyo, Radio România Cultural, Agerpres, Hotnews, Adevărul de weekend, The Diplomat, Sustainability Today, Nine O’Clock, CEE Energy News, NewsEnergy, Mindcraft Stories, Școala9, The Woman, Green Report, Green-Forum.eu, Sustenabilitate.Biz, Guerrilla Verde, Inspirators

Monitoring partner: MediaTRUST

About Social Innovation Solutions

The mission of Social Innovation Solutions (SIS) is to support individuals and organizations to understand future transformations and develop sustainable technology, public policy, and entrepreneurial solutions. SIS runs several incubators and accelerators in Romania and Central and Eastern Europe, working with several thousand SMEs and NGOs each year through programs such as the Sustainability Academy, Future Makers, and Transformator. SIS also develops several platforms for conversations on sustainability, future trends, and circular economies such as Future Summit, Sustainable Futures, or Climate Change Summit  and provides consultancy and executive education programs in foresight, innovation, and sustainability.

About BRD Groupe Société Générale

BRD Groupe Société Générale is one of the leading banks in Romania. The bank operates a network of 441 units and has total assets of RON 74.5 billion lei (as of June 30, 2023). BRD holds a leading position in the retail market, is a top player in the corporate banking market and the leader in the Romanian factoring market. 

As a social actor, BRD invests in culture, education, technology, and sport, supporting projects that build, develop, raise a new generation, and bring long-term value. It is under this vision that Foundation9 was created, which coordinates the cultural journalism platform Scena9, as well as the cultural center Rezidenta9 in Bucharest. In education, BRD has created Școala9, a specialized journalism platform, and supports programs that support the approach of teachers in the formal system, as well as plans, ideas, and projects in the sphere of innovation and technology. The newest journalism platform launched by BRD is Mindcraft Stories, which aims to open a conversation about discoveries in Romania and around the world, how technology touches our lives, artificial intelligence, robotics, medicine, and more.