Vienna – ESI at Austria’s development policy advisory council

29 April 2026
The Development Policy Advisory Council. Photo: Austrian Government
The Development Policy Advisory Council. Photo: Austrian Government

ESI’s Gerald Knaus travelled to Vienna to attend the second meeting of the Austrian government’s Development Policy Advisory Council at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting focused on Austria’s strategy towards Africa and brought together representatives from academia, civil society, development organisations, and government institutions to discuss Austria’s future engagement with the continent. The session was chaired by Beate Meinl-Reisinger.

During the discussions, participants exchanged views on development cooperation, geopolitical competition, migration, and economic partnerships, as well as Austria’s role in supporting stability and sustainable development in African countries. The advisory council was established to provide expert recommendations to the Austrian foreign ministry on long-term development and foreign policy priorities.