2025 Vienna New Humanity Representation Activities
In 2025, the New Humanity NGO representation in Vienna, focused its activities on strengthening dialogue between international organizations, civil society actors, and faith‑based networks working toward sustainable development and social innovation.
Given Vienna’s role as an important center of the United Nations system, particular attention was placed on engagement with institutions based in the city, especially the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL). Through participation in meetings and exchanges within the Vienna international community, the Vienna hub followed and supported discussions related to sustainable development, energy access, and inclusive economic transformation, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy.
Within this context, the Vienna representation contributed to dialogue and networking related to emerging sustainable energy initiatives connected to partners cooperating with UNIDO. Particular attention was given to developments surrounding the Nyeri Hill Farm initiative in Kenya, carried forward in cooperation with the Catholic Diocese of Nyeri. The initiative explores innovative approaches to renewable energy and Power‑to‑X technologies, highlighting how church‑based institutions and diocesan structures can become important local partners in advancing sustainable development and community resilience.
In parallel, contacts were strengthened with Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), particularly in relation to the potential development of Green Cooking initiatives aimed at improving access to clean and sustainable cooking technologies in regions affected by energy poverty. Preparatory discussions during 2025 explored possible cooperation with Starkmacher Impact, with the objective of advancing implementation in 2026.
Building on this engagement in Vienna, the New Humanity representation also contributed to strengthening international connections with faith‑based development and investment networks.
As part of this effort, exchanges took place in November 25 with members of the New Humanity NGO representation team in New York City, particularly within circles connected to the United Nations environment and civil society networks. Further meetings were held in Washington, D.C. with actors engaged in faith‑consistent investment and development initiatives, including partners connected to the Francesco Collaborative, a network promoting Catholic‑aligned investment approaches and impact‑oriented development strategies. In this context, discussions also included exchanges with Elizabeth Garlow, focusing on the role of faith‑based institutions and Catholic investment networks in supporting sustainable development initiatives.
Additional dialogue was pursued with partners connected to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development of the Holy See, exploring possibilities for collaboration between faith‑inspired organizations, sustainable development initiatives, and innovative financing approaches aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Through these activities, the Vienna representation contributed to strengthening dialogue and cooperation between United Nations institutions, faith‑based networks, civil society actors, and impact‑oriented initiatives, highlighting the potential of cross‑sector collaboration to promote sustainable and inclusive development.
Member of the New Humanity NGO representation in Vienna:
- Mathias M. Kaps, as Main Representative
Relevant Links:
- UNIDO: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unido
- Sustainable Energy for All: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainable-energy-for-all/
- Francesco Collaborative: https://francescocollaborative.org
- Starkmacher Impact: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starkmacher-impact
To know more about the New Humanity Vienna Representation team, see: https://www.new-humanity.org/en/where-we-are/vienna/