In 2024, the working conference and general meeting of our association took place on September 26th. until 29.09. at the invitation of Erste Bank der Österreichische Sparkassen AG in Vienna.

After the board meeting and general meeting, the conference began on Thursday evening with 120 participants and guests with a gala evening in the Palais Niederösterreich in the heart of Vienna, not far from the Hofburg.

The conference on Friday was under the motto “ESG/Sustainability” – a current challenge that all participating institutes from a total of six countries have to face.

In addition to the greetings from the CEO of “Erste Bank”, Ms. MMag. Gerda Holzinger-Burgstaller and the President of the Austrian Savings Banks Association, Mag. Stefanie Huber, the participants also enjoyed the lecture on current challenges facing the savings banks by Prof. Dr. Ulrich Reuter, President of the German Savings Banks and Giro Association (DSGV).

The President of the Association of Independent Savings Banks, Dr. Tim Nesemann explained in his introductory speech that sustainability has always been of great importance to the savings banks. Because the business model “from the region for the region” already incorporates the circular idea. Europe and Germany in particular must lead the way in mitigating the consequences of climate change in order to enable and promote innovation. Nesemann commented critically on the increasing obligation for sustainability reporting for savings banks and other financial institutions.

In addition to other lectures on the topic of ESG/sustainability, the well-known Austrian weather and climate expert Marcus Wadsak illustrated the dramatically advancing climate change and its consequences in Europe and the world.

A special highlight on Friday evening: At the Erste Bank headquarters above the rooftops of Vienna, Dr. Gerhard Fabisch, long-time chairman of the Steiermärisch Bank and Sparkassen AG and former president of the Austrian Savings Bank Association, was honored with the Golden Sparkasse Pin for his great achievements on the board of our association, among other things.

As always, in addition to the specialist lectures at the working conference, there was plenty of opportunity for all participants and guests to exchange ideas across countries on current topics in the savings banks and financial landscape.