The 21st Brand Global Summit, organized by the European Brand Institute with UNIDO and the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, convened global leaders under the theme “Brands for the Future.” The discussions reaffirmed that brands are strategic assets driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

Governor Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin Kocher emphasized Austria’s role in fostering competitiveness through innovation and intellectual property, noting that “strong brands and IP foster trust, resilience, and innovation.”

Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hrebicek, President of the European Brand Institute, defined brands as “strategic assets uniting purpose, innovation, and integrity,” stressing authenticity and transparency as the foundations of long-term brand value.

Mr. Ciyong Zou, Deputy Director General of UNIDO, underlined that brands must balance innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness, calling them “strategic enablers of resilient industrial growth.”

Christian Wigand of the European Commission highlighted that Europe’s competitiveness rests on “innovation with purpose,” combining productivity with social and environmental responsibility.

PANEL I – Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence

Moderator Laszlo Lukacs, CEO of Cognitive Creators, introduced the concept of Digital Due Diligence—quantifying digital brand and technology value as drivers of performance. “Millions remain hidden in blind spots,” he noted, urging firms to recognize the financial potential of digital assets.
Mag. Patricia Kasandziev, C-level financial expert, illustrated how AI transforms data integration in finance, creating “connected, intelligent ecosystems that enhance both performance and human experience.”
Katharina Menz of Vienna Insurance Group showed that AI strengthens ESG alignment and resilience, emphasizing that “AI is a partner to human intelligence, not a replacement.”
Mag. Christoph Schuh, Austrian Power Grid, stressed that digital progress requires transparency and trust: “We must bring intelligence into the system—AI is key to energy stability and credibility.”
Farrukh Alimdjanov, UNIDO, linked digitalization with inclusive growth, explaining that responsible use of AI and strategic branding “builds stronger industries and more resilient societies.”
Together, the panel agreed that the brands of the future will merge technology with ethics to create measurable trust and sustainable competitiveness.

PANEL II – Best Practice: Global Brands and Sustainability

René Petzner, BYD Austria, showcased BYD’s rapid success and sustainability partnership with voestalpine AG, driven by a mission “to cool the earth by one degree.”

Mgr. Veronika Zahradníková, PRAM Consulting, proved that financial education drives inclusion: “Sustainability begins with the courage to build your own path.”

Jennifer Sanchis, CARMA, demonstrated that ethical communication directly correlates with financial performance, concluding that “transparency and moral integrity convert trust into tangible value.”

PANEL III – Global Brand Economies

Moderator Prof. Dr. Weixi Gong identified Europe’s standards, China’s innovation, and the Middle East’s dynamism as the three forces reshaping globalization.
Christian Pirkner, CEO of Bluecode, called for European payment sovereignty: “Payments are not just transactions—they are enablers of trust and innovation.”
Penguin Liu, Chairman of CCBD, described China’s evolution “from Made in China” to “Created in China,” guided by quality, culture, and innovation.
Tienan Li, CSCA, added that transparent standards are “instruments of brand diplomacy and trust.”
Pegah Gol, UAE business angel, highlighted that “where vision meets growth lies opportunity,” emphasizing cultural intelligence and women’s empowerment.
Philipp Winkler, Advantage Austria, viewed trust and quality as decisive for long-term partnerships.
Farrukh Alimdjanov, UNIDO, concluded that global success depends on integrating branding, innovation, and sustainability into a single value system.

PANEL  IV – Innovative Financing and Brand Investment

The panel discussion turned to new financing models and the evolving relationship between brand value and capital markets. Panel host Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hrebicek, Baybars Altuntas of the World Business Angels Investment Forum, Herbert Kovar of Deloitte Austria, and Prof. Dr. Stephan Klinger of LGP discussed how tokenization, intangible asset financing, and ESG-linked investment vehicles are redefining the financial landscape.

Baybars Altuntas, WBAF, emphasized that “brands are the currency of trust and inclusion,” enabling SMEs to access capital through reputation and innovation.
Mag. Herbert Kovar, Deloitte Österreich, confirmed that companies with strong brand governance attract more investment: “A strong brand is not only an image—it is a financial instrument.”
Prof. Dr. Stephan M. Klinger, LGP Lawyers, reflected that “trust is more important to the financial system than money itself,” urging balance between technology and human confidence.
The panel agreed that brands now represent both financial and moral capital—uniting innovation, responsibility, and inclusion as the cornerstones of future finance.

PANEL V – Roundtable Responsible Leadership

Moderator Dr. Gabriela-Maria Straka, respACT Austria, defined good management as “pursuing smart risk with responsibility and passion.”
Dr. Michael Sigmund, OeNB, showed that diversity drives profitability and innovation: “It is not just a moral argument—it’s an economic advantage.”
Dr. Christine Catasta, Erste Group, added that “leadership diversity creates the conditions for sustainable governance.”
Mag. Gertrud Götze, T-Systems Austria, affirmed that “diversity is not a quota but a catalyst.”
Mag. Natascha Kantauer-Gansch, A1 Telekom Austria, stressed the need for leaders who merge “financial acumen with digital literacy and sustainable vision.”

PANEL  VI – Future-Proof Leadership: Women, Finance & inclusive Brand Economies

Yulia Stark, European Women’s Association, noted that closing the gender gap could add 28 trillion USD to global GDP, calling the underfunding of women-led startups “not a problem, but a blind spot.”
Petia Niederländer, OeNB, stated that “financial education is the basis for both participation and empowerment.”
Hawa Kebe, UNIDO, reaffirmed that “investing in women is investing in shared prosperity.”
Dr. Marietta Babos, Damensache, promoted financial independence through knowledge and confidence.
Ayşegül Gökçe Baykal, Schoellerbank, concluded that “when women lead in finance, they create stability through prudence and accountability.”
Together, the speakers showed that inclusion and empathy are measurable drivers of innovation and resilience.

Moderator Jaqueline Knollmayr led throughout the summit and hosted the panel.

Closing Remarks

Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hrebicek closed the summit by reaffirming its central message: the future belongs to brands that unite innovation with responsibility. As transformation accelerates, success will favor those who align profitability with purpose, digital intelligence with integrity, and progress with shared prosperity.

The 21st Brand Global Summit once again positioned Vienna as a forum for international dialogue and innovation. As global leaders continue to face uncertainty, the message from this year’s summit was clear: the brands that thrive in the future will be those that combine financial strength with ethical leadership, global vision, and the courage to shape change.

 21. Vienna Brand Gala

In the evening, at the invitation of Mayor Michael Ludwig, the Vienna Brand Gala took place in the grand ceremonial hall of Vienna’s City Hall. Together with Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hrebicek, President of the European Brand Institute, Sara Costa, Member of the Vienna Provincial Parliament, Ciyong Zou, Deputy Director General of UNIDO, and H.E. Pablo Berti Oliva, Ambassador of Cuba and representative of the GRULAC countries, welcomed the international guests.

A touch of Latin American flair filled the hall as guests enjoyed regional specialties — from Mojitos, Tequila, and Rum to fine chocolate and red wine from Argentina, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. The evening’s musical highlights were delivered by percussionist Endre Hofmann and saxophonist Ingo Beer, creating a vibrant and elegant atmosphere.

Highlight of the Evening: BRAND [LIFE] AWARD honors Georg Kapsch

The highlight of the evening was once again the presentation of the prestigious Brand [Life] Award — an honor that, since 2009, has recognized outstanding personalities who, with passion, leadership, and perseverance, have guided brands to lasting economic and social relevance.

This year, Gerhard Hrebicek, President of the European Brand Institute, presented the bronze statuette designed by artist Iris Sageder to Georg Kapsch, CEO of the Kapsch Group. Visibly moved, Kapsch accepted the award for “a life dedicated to the brand”, acknowledging his lifelong commitment to innovation, excellence, and the sustainable development of one of Austria’s most renowned family enterprises.

Congratulations!

Spotted among the guests: Ciyong Zou, Deputy to Director General UNIDO, Christian Wigand, Head of Europäische Kommission in Austria, Petia Niederländer, Director OeNB, Christian Trautenberger, Geschäftsführer Glatz GmbH, Richard Mauerlechner, Geschäftsführer weekend, Magdalena Hankus, CEO Hankus 360, GianPaolo Spadola, Marketingleiter WKW, Stefan Krenn, Novomatic, Renate Altenhofer, Managing Partner European Brand Institute, Herbert Kovar, Partner Deloitte Tax, Aysegül Baykal, Director Schoellerbank, Gerald Ganzger, Klaus Wölfer and Stephan Klinger, LGP Rechtanwälte, Charisma-Expert Sandra Soravia-Lepuschitz, Martin Heimhilcher, Spartenobmann Information & Consulting, WKW, Francine Beleyi, Nucleus of Change, BM a.D. Maria Rauch-Kallat, Christine Catasta, Supervisory Board Member Erste Group Bank,  Marietta Babos, Founder Damensache, Christian Reitterer, CEO proM2, Klosterneuburgs City Counselor Katharina Danninger, Gretecsol Geschäftsführer Jürgen Felber, Artist Brigitte Just,  Milene Platzer and Thomas Bogendorfer, Wiener Privatklinik, Erwin Zeiler, Geschäftsführer „Tut Gut“, Cornelia Spitzer, Partnerin HLB, Gabriela Straka, Board Member repACT, Katharina Menz, Data Analyst VIG, Laszlo Alpar Lukacs, CEO Cognitive Creators,  Hannes Martschin, CEO Martschin & Partners, Jennifer Sanchis, Insights Consultant CARMA,  die Commercial Counselors of China Fanzhuang Meng, Mexico Jorge Luis Hidalgo and Romania Adi-Cristina Mitea,  the Ambassadors of Argentina, Ecuador, Cuba, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, India, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica,  as well as UNIDO Managers Hawa Kebe and Farrukh Alimdjanov, and many more...