The Foreign Policy and United Nations Association of Austria (UNA-AUSTRIA) cordially invites you to the Foreign Policy Talk at Hernstein Castle.
Already since 1967 the autumns in Hernstein Castle in Lower Austria (about one hour’s drive from Vienna) are dedicated to the “Foreign Policy Talks“. The event is organized in co-operation with the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the Academic Forum for Foreign Affairs (AFA) and other partners. Each year the Talks are dedicated to one particular topic of significance to Austrian Foreign Policy and offer an unique opportunity for an open and informal exchange of ideas at high level.
The “Foreign Policy Talks“ are usually held on Friday and Saturday; on Friday throughout the day and on Saturday until lunch time. Each of the three half-days is devoted to one specific subtopic within the overall theme. Two or three speakers from Austria or abroad (personalities and experts from the field of politcs, economics and culture, as well as Austrian diplomats) are generally requested to give short talks on each of the subtopics, which are then followed by discussions moderated by prominent Austrian personalities. Further deliberations can be held during lunch and dinner.
Although there is always great interest to attend the Talks, only 100 participants are admitted in order to enable a lively discussion. Furthermore, facilities for accommodation are limited. The audience is composed of young university students and graduates, students of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna as well as of the International Organizations represented in Vienna. Staff members of the Austrian Foreign Ministry and private persons with a particular interest in the subject matter are likewise welcome.
Foreign policy journalists are also invited. If appropriate, they may be requested not to report details of the proceedings. The topics are usually dealt with in a frank and open manner on the basis of the so called “Chatham House Rule“. (“When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed".)
The working languages of the Talks are German and English (without translation).
To enable access as widely as possible, it has been decided not to charge a conference fee. For accommodation at Hernstein Castle a single room is offered for 60.- Euro or a bed in a double room for 30.- Euro per person. Coffee breaks, meals and drinks are covered by sponsors and the organizer.
Hernstein Castle is situated in an enchanting park. The conference facilities and the relaxing atmosphere at the countryside guarantee an open and spontaneous exchange of ideas. The seminar centre has an own swimmig pool and a sauna. The bar usually serves as meeting point for participants until late night.
The Castle can be reached from Vienna by the “A2 Südautobahn“ (south highway), exit Leobersdorf, heading towards Berndorf/Hernstein. The organizer provides also a bus schuttle from Vienna to Hernstein Castle and back.
The UNA-AUSTRIA is looking forward to meeting you in Hernstein and wishes you fruitful discussions within the “Hernstein Spirit”.
XXXIX. Foreign Policy Talk 23 to 24 October 2009:
XL. Foreign Policy Talk 22 to 23 October 2010