Welcome to the Knowledge Adventure!

You are looking for a different kind of festival? You have found it! The Vienna Forum organizes a festival full of knowledge, science, art and humanities, trending topics in business, architecture and technology … whatever you are looking for, here you´ll find it. And of course there is time for fun and networking with colleagues from all around the globe.

We set up five days with all kind of activities: workshops, lectures, games, music, time for socializing and some sightseeing. Whatever your interests are, you´ll find a related workshop within the festival, just check our program. We offer workshops together with the United Nations Headquarter (UN), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and many renowned institutions such as the local Universities, famous Museums, trending businesses, NGOs … you name it.

Have a look at the program for an overview of the festival or read into the details of the workshops.

You have already made up your mind and are looking only for the technical questions? Get all the answers in our FAQs.

International Leadership Programs and Knowledge Festival

The International Leadership Programs offered to high school classes by the Vienna Forum for Educational Exchange provide international students with outstanding educational opportunities held by award-winning instructors and academic professionals. The programs offer career orientation as well as insight into the newest development of academic research and a vision of practical experience.

During our International Leadership Programs the students will gain insight into their aspired career possibilities. In a variety of career choices we offer workshops and lectures with prestigious international partners to ensure a global reach, fascinating insights and an unforgettable experience.

Our International Leadership Programs empower students, aged 16 to 19, with necessary tools and resources to build a career in a global world. Participants of the ILP will acquire invaluable skills and knowledge, explore the meaning of cross cultural leadership and create a network of tomorrow’s leaders.

The International Leadership Programs are held in Vienna, a dynamic and vibrant city filled with history in the heart of Europe and enable the students to immerse themselves in a European culture, discovering sites and sounds of Central Europe and learn about its history, tradition and society.

Here is a brief description of some of the workshops in which you will participate while you are in Vienna.

We think each of the workshops we are organizing for you have the potential to be your personal highlight during your stay and your experience at the International Leadership Programs. Just to give you a more detailed insight into the program we list some example workshops for each track:

 International Leadership Program on Technology and Sustainability:

Get active for a worth living and sustainable life!
In order to create a fair and sustainable world, it is vitally important that we recognize our role in society and opportunity to force a sustainable change to keep our living planet. In this workshop you gain knowledge on ecological pressures, consequences of overconsumption and overuse of natural resources. You train your green skills by experiential learning, discover new competencies and illustrate possibilities that
enable you to contribute actively and in a responsible way to a future worth living. WWF invites you to an unique outdoor program at an important wetland area in Austria.

Other workshop-partners such as the Vienna University of Technology and Start-ups in the sector of alternative energies will help you understand the role and usage of energies.

 International Leadership Program on Arts and Music:

In this workshop Markus Hofer will guide you on your way of developing an idea of a sculpture, which you will shape and create under his guidance and instruction.

A walk around Karlsplatz with its famous architecture and sculptures out of different centuries (among which you can find Henry Moore, Anton Hanak, i.e.) will give you a first idea and inspiration. Later you will use that inspiration and create your own interpretation of one of the existing objects. Under the guidance of Markus you will translate your ideas first into drawings and later into an object.

All materials and tools are provided.

 International Leadership Program on International Relations and Diplomacy:

At the United Nations headquarter in Vienna you will gain insight into the structure of international organizations and be able to have a look backstage of international assemblies. After a presentation on and evaluation of current issues of human rights you will actively discuss solutions with United Nations experts in a participatory workshop. The workshop will facilitate the understanding of human rights instruments and their interrelatedness.
In other workshops and visits you will discuss European politics in the Austrian Parliament and learn about trends and topics in the training for International diplomats in one of the world ´s oldest training facilities for international relations: the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna.

 International Leadership Program on Business & Ethics:

Together with our Partner, an entrepreneur and lecturer from Viennas University of Economics and Business and executives from a Management Consulting Company, you will learn to develop your own business idea, transform it into a business plan and present it in front of an expert committee. In this process you will gain economic insights, learn creativity techniques and strengthen your presentation skills.

Other workshops include a visit to the United Nations office where you learn about international trade and discuss the fight against corruption with experts. Afterwards you can prove your knowledge in an entertaining game on the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility.

 International Leadership Program on Urban Planning and Architecture:

Explore one of Europes biggest urban development area and watch a whole new urban district grow. Discuss zero emission solutions for housing as well as sociological aspects of city planning in an environment where architects and urban planners strive every day to develop an even better place. Discover Green Building Solutions, learn about state of the art environmental technologies on international construction sites and gain expert knowledge on sustainable urban development.