World Energy Council Austria Participates in OSCE Panel on the Water-Energy-Food Nexus

The World Energy Council Austria was honoured to take part in a recent high-level panel discussion during the Environmental Committee (EEC) meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), focusing on the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus. Representing the Council, Secretary General Mr. Gerhard Gamperl joined international experts to explore the crucial role of utilities and the private sector in addressing interconnected challenges at the heart of sustainable development.

In his statements, Mr. Gamperl highlighted the growing urgency of ensuring resilience across the water, energy, and food sectors. He noted that these systems are increasingly strained by climate change, environmental degradation, and shifting geopolitical dynamics – making cross-sectoral and international cooperation more important than ever.

Drawing on the Council’s work and insights from the Austrian energy sector, Mr. Gamperl emphasized the proactive role that utilities and major corporations can and must play in developing scalable, sustainable solutions. He underscored the importance of partnerships that span the interfaces of policy, regulatory frameworks, and academic research.

Key discussion points included:

• The evolving responsibilities of utilities and the private sector in safeguarding food, energy, and water security
• The transformative potential of data and artificial intelligence in driving the transition
• Best practices and innovative partnerships to promote sustainable development, particularly in emerging economies and Central Asia

The World Energy Council Austria extends its sincere acknowledgments to Ambassadors Melita Župevc and Bakyt Dzhusupov, as well as Ms. Kerstin Stendahl, for their leadership and for the opportunity to contribute to this timely dialogue.

As Mr. Gamperl noted, “The path to a secure and sustainable future lies in deepening collaboration across sectors and borders. We remain committed to supporting these efforts – and to advancing integrated solutions at the nexus of water, energy, and food.”