Overview
The independent evaluation assessed the results of the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum (IVECF)/ Vienna Energy Forum (VEF), henceforth simply the forum, for the period 2009-2023 with a special focus on the last five years. The evaluation used the criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, coherence, and contributions towards impacts. This involved considering and reviewing the forum’s objectives, performance indicators, stakeholder engagement, knowledge dissemination, policy influence, and long-term impacts. The evaluation used a mixed-method approach encompassing quantitative and qualitative analysis with data collected from documents, surveys, interviews, observations, and archival sources.
The forum’s primary goal is to create a vibrant, interactive, and inclusive environment that facilitates stimulating discussions on crucial issues related to the sustainable energy discourse and encourages the proposal of practical solutions for promoting sustainable energy development.
The evaluation found that the forum is well-aligned with emerging global priorities on sustainable energy. It has seen significant growth in participation over the years, which spotlights its rising significance. The forum has catalyzed policy and technology discussions and community projects globally over the years through its insights and partnerships. It has contributed to the global sustainable energy agenda over the past decade, both through high-level policy impacts at international events like COP as well through on-ground delivery. Through its platforms, various projects have gained visibility and access to potential support, exemplifying its capacity to facilitate meaningful connections and contribute to advancing sustainable energy solutions. Sustaining this impact hinges on
expanding its reach and scope further. By exposing industry players to emerging innovations, this forum has also contributed to new product developments and sustained corporate engagement. However, overall data to comprehensively assess this forum’s long-term impact remains constrained.
The evaluation concluded that the forum, through biennial conferences, remains a critical platform in the global energy dialogue. To maintain its significance and enhance its impact, it will need to continue adapting to the evolving landscape with strategic focus, alignment with UN goals, stakeholder engagement, and efficient management, while deepening its commitment to cross-cutting themes.
The evaluation recommends that UNIDO should (1) continue to refine the forum’s thematic focus, capitalizing on its unique positioning in the energy and industrial development
dialogue, (2) enhance stakeholder engagement through hybrid summits, targeted marketing plus localization, and early and comprehensive planning, (3) streamlining governance structures for more efficient event management, and (4) deepening cross-cutting themes to better integrate gender, youth, and environmental concerns.
