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Karlsruhe – the city of the first far-reaching civil liberties, bold ideas, and a forward-looking approach. We are at the forefront of technology and, at the same time, one of the most sustainable cities in Germany. And we are proud that our home state of Baden-Württemberg leads the nation in patent applications per capita. This inventive spirit is in our DNA. It drives us to decisively tackle the major challenges of our time.

Our goal is clear: climate neutrality by 2040. For us, this is not an election promise on paper, but a concrete plan. We want solutions that are smart, effective, and practical – solutions that improve everyday life while simultaneously reducing our ecological footprint.

But our responsibility doesn't end at the city borders. In an increasingly interconnected world, we must act together – for an economy that is fair, peaceful, and sustainable. This requires bold ideas, clear goals, and the appropriate financial and investment instruments.

That's precisely why we're working with the European Organisation for Sustainable Development (EOSD). Together, we're developing ways for investors, companies, and governments to invest in an economy that not only grows, but thrives – in harmony with people and nature. This partnership makes Karlsruhe an international meeting place for exchange, innovation, and collaboration. New business opportunities are born here, and visionaries come together to advance sustainable technologies, close the digital divide, and decisively tackle climate change.

An outstanding example of this is the Global Sustainable Finance Conference, which has been held here in Karlsruhe for over 15 years. It brings people from all over the world together to consult, inspire, and act. Especially in times of global tensions and uncertainty, we need places where consensus grows and ideas become concrete steps – steps that protect our planet and secure our prosperity.

So, welcome to Karlsruhe! I wish you exciting discussions, bold ideas, and encounters that connect us.