Opening the ceremony, Martin Eichtinger, Director of the Vienna School of International Studies, opens an external URL in a new window, highlighted the program's unique ability to bring together students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds and prepare them to address global environmental challenges from an interdisciplinary perspective. He encouraged the graduates to preserve their idealism and use their knowledge to help shape a more sustainable and resilient future.

Representing TU Wien Academy, Vice Dean Bob Martens congratulated the graduates on reaching this important milestone. He emphasized the lasting value of interdisciplinary education and the close professional network built throughout the program, encouraging graduates to remain connected as part of the ETIA alumni community.

In his graduation address, Professor Holger Hestermeyer, Academic Director of the MSc program, delivered a thoughtful and engaging reflection on the defining challenges of our time. Drawing on the current heatwave as a tangible reminder of climate change, he reflected on why interdisciplinary thinking matters more than ever. Combining humour with insight, he encouraged graduates to turn knowledge into action and contribute where decisions are made.

One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony were the valedictorian speeches by Carina Jagersberger and Jakob Stefan Gartner, who reflected on the friendships, shared experiences and international perspectives that shaped their time in the program. Their reflections highlighted that ETIA is more than an academic program: it is an international community built on collaboration, curiosity and lasting friendships.

The TU Wien Academy warmly congratulates the ETIA Class of 2026 and welcomes its newest alumni to a growing international community. Together with our partner, the Vienna School of International Studies, we wish them every success as they apply their expertise, curiosity and commitment to shaping a more sustainable future.