Staff on COP27: Education is the key

This series highlights our climate and development work worldwide, with an equal focus on planet and people. From agriculture in Africa to energy in Asia, our projects contribute to climate action through numerous public and private sector initiatives and partnerships. In September 2022, the OPEC Fund adopted its first Climate Action Plan, with a commitment to doubling our share of climate financing to 40 percent by 2030, while mainstreaming climate action across our operations. #OPECFundAtCOP27

Valentina Walden, Executive Assistant - Director-General Office

What are you doing personally to ease the climate burden in your home city of Vienna?

We live in a typical Viennese Altbau, a very old and classical building, where we just have fans. We don’t want air conditioning at home, even though temperatures this year have been over 35°C by day and 25°C by night. 

For me personally at home, it was important to choose a green energy provider because I knew that Austria is strong in hydropower, that it’s a renewable source of energy and, all things considered, the best option on a personal, societal and planetary level. 

I’m also a big supporter of our recycling culture and our public transport system, both of which Vienna excels at. These things are well developed throughout the city and really add to our quality of life — which is said to be the best in the world, according to annual rankings.