MCI Goes Vienna: Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Climate Change and Global Responsibility

Distinguished Guest Lecture by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Vienna | MCI Honorary Professor addresses the climate crisis, global citizenship, and the role of young people in shaping a sustainable future

An internationally renowned figure visits MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®: On October 23, 2026, Ban Ki-moon, eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations and MCI Honorary Professor, delivered a lecture on “Climate Crisis & Global Citizenship” as part of the MCI Distinguished Guest Lecture Series. Held in the Grand Ceremonial Hall of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, the event focused on the global challenges of climate change, the importance of global citizenship and shared responsibility, and the role of young people in shaping a sustainable future.

Addressing Global Challenges Together

As former UN Secretary-General (2007–2016), Ban Ki-moon is among the world's most prominent advocates for climate action, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in advancing the Paris Climate Agreement and the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In his lecture, “Climate Crisis & Global Citizenship,” Ban Ki-moon highlighted the need for international cooperation and collective responsibility in addressing the climate crisis. Particular emphasis was placed on young people and their potential to actively shape a sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected world as future decision-makers.

Distinguished guests at the event included former Austrian Federal President Heinz Fischer and former Austrian Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research Heinz Faßmann. Numerous other prominent representatives from politics, business, and society also attended.

International Perspectives at MCI

Through its Distinguished Guest Lecture Series, MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® offers students the opportunity to engage directly with internationally renowned leaders from politics, business, academia, and society. Ban Ki-moon's visit underscores MCI's international outlook and its commitment to integrating sustainability, global responsibility, and future-oriented skills into its academic programs, teaching, and research.

MCI Rector Andreas Altmann emphasizes: “We are honored to regularly welcome our MCI Honorary Professor Ban Ki-moon, a distinguished global leader who has played a pivotal role in shaping forward-looking international climate policy and addressing major global challenges. His unwavering commitment is a powerful reminder of the importance of international cooperation and individual responsibility in tackling the challenges facing our world. We particularly want to encourage young people to think beyond borders, take responsibility, and actively contribute to shaping the future.”