José Rizal Heritage Award 2026 – A Legacy That Leaves Its Mark

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Basel, 3 October 2026 – An evening dedicated to commitment, responsibility and international solidarity: on 3 October 2026, the historic Hotel Victoria in Basel hosted the fourth presentation of the José Rizal Heritage Award (JRHA). The prestigious award honours individuals whose work embodies the timeless ideals of the Philippine national hero and visionary, Dr José Rizal – courage, education, social responsibility, service to humanity and intercultural understanding.

The distinguished evening was hosted by the Award’s Co-Presidents, Lady Estrelleta Borda Ruppert, President of Las Damas de Rizal Switzerland, and Sir Stephan U. Breu, KGOR, Area Commander Switzerland of the Knights of Rizal. Under their leadership, the evening once again highlighted the important role the Award has come to play as a bridge between people, cultures and different areas of social responsibility. Among the guests were diplomats, academics, artists, community leaders, as well as representatives of the Philippine and Swiss communities.

Since 2023, the José Rizal Heritage Award has honoured individuals whose commitment extends far beyond their immediate personal or professional circles and, in particular, has an impact on an international level. Whether in education, social entrepreneurship, humanitarian work, the arts or social development, the Laureates share a common determination to assume responsibility and initiate lasting change.

In this way, the Award brings José Rizal’s legacy into the present day. Rizal regarded education and personal action as a responsibility towards society. The José Rizal Heritage Organization and the José Rizal Heritage Fund continue this principle, supporting projects that empower disadvantaged people and open up new opportunities and perspectives for them.

The José Rizal Heritage Award is therefore far more than a distinction. It is a tribute to exceptional commitment – and, at the same time, a powerful call to action: to help shape a fairer, more peaceful and more inclusive world with courage, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility. José Rizal’s legacy lives on wherever people are willing not merely to speak about change, but to take responsibility for bringing it about themselves.

This year, among the other Laureates, Prof. Dr Dr Dr h.c. Franz Josef Radermacher was honoured with the José Rizal Heritage Award 2026 in recognition of his work in the field of sustainable development.

FAW/n at the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum (IVECF) 2026 at Vienna’s Hofburg Palace

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FAW/n was prominently represented at this year’s International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum (IVECF), held at Vienna’s historic Hofburg Palace. The high-level conference takes place approximately every two years and is organised, among others, by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, the Austrian Development Agency, and other international partners. This year, representatives from more than 145 countries attended the IVECF.

FAW/n was represented by Prof. Dr Estelle Herlyn, Prof. Dr Dr Dr h.c. Franz Josef Radermacher and Dr Tobias Orthen. Their participation underlines the Institute’s active role in key international debates on energy and climate policy, as well as its close network of relationships with leading global actors.

Strategic dialogue at the highest level

A particular focus of the visit to Vienna was an intensive exchange with Dr Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO and former German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). FAW/n has advised Dr Müller for many years. Key initiatives developed with Dr Müller include, for example, the establishment of the Alliance for Development and Climate and the Marshall Plan with Africa launched by the BMZ. Against the backdrop of current global turbulence, it is essential to align strategies and deepen effective partnerships.

Through Prof Franz Josef Radermacher and Dr Tobias Orthen, FAW/n has been involved in the work of the UN Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET) since its establishment. This high-level network brings technical expertise to bear on the work of the UN system and, in particular, advises UN Secretary-General António Guterres on issues relating to the global energy transition. Events such as the IVECF provide an important opportunity for the Council’s approximately 50 international experts to exchange views and, wherever possible, meet in person. In Vienna, the strategic direction of the CEET’s work for the coming months was discussed.

In addition, discussions were held with numerous international partners from academia, politics and international organisations, including Prof Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University, President of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), as well as representatives of leading institutions working in the fields of sustainable development and energy transition.

Prof Estelle Herlyn: International carbon markets in focus

Prof Estelle Herlyn was invited to participate in a panel discussion entitled “From Integrity to Investment: Creating Trusted Carbon Markets that Mobilize Private Climate Finance”, jointly organised by UNIDO and the Paris Agreement Article 6 Implementation Partnership (A6IP).

The discussion with international experts focused in particular on the role of transparency, governance and solution-oriented narratives in scaling up effective global carbon markets. Participants included Peter Renner, Member of the Board of the Alliance for Development and Climate, and Jacob Bourgeois, Head of Carbon Strategies & Innovation at Volkswagen ClimatePartner.

The discussion made clear that international cooperation – including in the context of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement – is an essential prerequisite for effective climate action and the achievement of net-zero targets. Unfortunately, this is precisely the opposite of what leading industrialised nations, including Germany, are currently doing. Many prefer to try to “save the climate at home” rather than create international synergies and reduce costs through cooperation.

Prof Franz Josef Radermacher: Global capacity development and systemic solutions

Prof Franz Josef Radermacher participated in a high-level side event addressing the importance of capacity building and international technical standards for the global energy transition. The event was organised by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO) together with international partners. GEIDCO is one of the key organisations working on renewable energy in China.

The discussion focused on how systematic, scalable capacity building and international cooperation can accelerate the transition towards resilient, intelligent and inclusive energy systems. Topics included the establishment of the Global Energy Interconnection Academy as a platform for knowledge transfer, as well as initial findings from a global needs assessment examining capacity gaps in the energy sector.

Participants in the side event included Prof Xin Baoan, Chairman of GEIDCO and President of the China Electricity Council; Riad Meddeb, Head of the Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy Division at the UNDP; and H.E. Rabab Fatima, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries of the United Nations.

The discussion highlighted the central importance of evidence-based policy advice and internationally coordinated approaches to solutions – an area in which FAW/n has been actively engaged for many years.

Dr Tobias Orthen and the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET)

Dr Tobias Orthen used the Forum in particular to advance the work of the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET).

The focus was on further developing the Council’s work agenda, strengthening support for multilateral processes, and translating strategic recommendations into concrete implementation measures. The Council’s monthly meeting had already taken place the previous day at UNIDO’s headquarters in Vienna. Later, during the IVECF, further key stakeholders came together for a strategic dialogue and to set the direction for the CEET’s work over the coming months. They included Prof Jeffrey Sachs (SDSN), Co-Chair of the CEET, who leads the Council together with Dr Gerd Müller; Ciyong Zou, Managing Director and Deputy to the Director General of UNIDO; Rana Ghoneim, Director of the Energy and Climate Action Division at UNIDO; Georgia Iordanescu, Chief of the Sustainable Energy and Just Transitions Unit at UNIDO; as well as representatives of UN DESA and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).

Particular emphasis was placed on the need for regionally differentiated approaches and systemic solutions to the energy transition. Dr Tobias Orthen proposed linking the discussions surrounding the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS-II) with the activities of the African Union, which is currently developing an energy strategy as well as an industrialisation and export strategy.

The EU is discussing the possibility that, in future, 5% of the emissions allowances under the EU ETS could be fulfilled through international certificates. From our perspective, this is clearly far too little. Nevertheless, it could represent a first step towards enabling African countries, for example, to supply climate-friendly hydrogen, steel and other industrial and energy products to the EU. The result could be effective climate action combined with industrial development at optimised cost.

Images © UNIDO, CEET, FAW/n

Prof. Radermacher’s Travel Report on COP30 in Belém

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Belém was a historically and geographically fitting host city for COP30. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was less positive than at previous COPs: key heads of state were absent, the number of pavilions and the level of media presence were reduced, and the conference itself attracted little attention in Brazil. The outcomes have been widely regarded as disappointing. The one positive development was the commitment to triple funding for climate adaptation by 2035. Compared with COP29 in Baku, however, there was little progress on international climate finance.

UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell strongly emphasised the need for international cooperation. National unilateral approaches, particularly those pursued by the EU, are regarded as ineffective. The final declaration remained largely devoid of substance and, for the most part, consistently failed to take account of changing global conditions and key political realities.

Prof. Dr Dr Dr h.c. F. J. Radermacher, Director of FAW/n, used his participation in COP30 as an opportunity to produce an extensive travel report containing a wealth of background information. Before publication, the text was further expanded and refined in a number of places. These additions include, for example, information on the situation concerning cannibalism in Brazil (see footnote 18), as well as an expanded and detailed account, in the concluding chapter, of Michael Evertz’s round-the-world journey by bicycle, undertaken as an ambassador for global cooperation.

The full report can be downloaded as a PDF via the link provided in the preceding paragraph.

Photo: Raimundo Pacco/COP30. Certain rights reserved.

Obituary for Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. HERIBERT OFFERMANNS

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who passed away on 24 November 2025 at the age of 88 in Hanau.

Heribert Offermanns was a great researcher and implementer, and also a respected entrepreneur during his many years on the board of Degussa AG. His areas of interest were very broad. He thought ‘big’ and did not get lost in the details. Without him, Global Energy Solutions e. V. would probably never have been founded. He helped initiate an entire tradition of thinking in Ulm.

We are deeply indebted to Heribert Offermanns and will honour his memory.

Subsequent thoughts of the institute’s director, Prof. Dr. Dr. Dr. h.c. Franz Josef Radermacher, on the death of Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Heribert Offermanns.

General information about Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Heribert Offermanns.

Picture by congerdesign on Pixabay

Chimpanzee Researcher and Environmental Activist Jane Goodall dies at age 91

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A few days ago, Dr. Jane Goodall passed away at the age of 91. Her death is a tremendous loss for the entire world. Even as a young woman, through her field research in the rainforest, she fundamentally changed our “arrogant” human view of primates – especially chimpanzees – and, in doing so, our understanding of ourselves. Tirelessly, she dedicated her life to nature and to all living beings. She was a great friend to humanity, and her passing pains millions of people – ourselves included.

As FAW/n and GES, we were fortunate that Jane Goodall enriched our book All In! with a testimonial—her message now appears on the back cover of our book.

Jane Goodall knew that nature can only be protected if we also care for the well-being of people. She deeply understood what sustainable development truly means at its core.

The loss of Jane Goodall is deeply painful. At the same time, we are profoundly grateful to have met her. We will not forget her and will strive to continue our work in her spirit.

With deep gratitude


Cover image by keesluising on Pixabay

Doctoral Anniversary Celebration 2025: A Look Back at a Festive Event at RWTH Aachen University

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On September 5, 2025, RWTH Aachen University hosted a very special highlight: a festive and somewhat nostalgic event in which our institute’s director, Prof. Dr. Radermacher, took part. With around 30 golden and about 140 silver doctoral anniversary guests, more former doctoral graduates than ever before followed the invitation of the Rector of RWTH Aachen – some traveling from as far as the Philippines, Brazil, Thailand, and the United States. Since 2004, RWTH Aachen has annually invited those who earned their doctoral degrees 25 or 50 years ago back to the university to honor their anniversaries once again. We are pleased to share some impressions of this special celebration, which you can explore in the accompanying text and image gallery.

Further information is also available directly on the RWTH Aachen Doctoral Anniversary webpage

Image by א (Aleph), http://commons.wikimedia.org

Science for the UN Secretary-General: FAW/n Shows Pathways to Climate-Friendly Steel

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New York/Ulm. The steel industry accounts for around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Prof. F. J. Radermacher and Dr. T. Orthen from FAW/n Ulm have authored a new paper for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, outlining key approaches to making the steel industry more climate-friendly. There is enormous potential in China and India, since two-thirds of global steel plants will need major reinvestment or refurbishment by 2030. The paper was published together with colleagues from the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET). Radermacher and Orthen have been involved in the Council’s work from the very beginning as the only German representatives. CEET is an independent global advisory body to the UN Secretary-General’s Office on matters concerning the global energy transition.

Shortly before the summer recess, the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET) published a policy brief on the climate-friendly transformation of the steel sector. Under the title “Global Strategies for Low-Carbon Iron and Steel Production”, Prof. Dr. Dr. Dr. h.c. Franz Josef Radermacher (FAW/n Ulm), Dr. Tobias Orthen (FAW/n Ulm), and Naveen Ahlawat (Jindal Steel) provide an overview of the most promising technological approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the strategic priorities needed for effective implementation. At the outset, the authors emphasize that transforming the steel industry solely through green hydrogen is unrealistic. Under current global conditions, such an approach is neither economically viable nor practically feasible – especially since roughly half of all steel plants are located in China.

The full paper (in English) can be downloaded from the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN / UNSDSN) platform.

Key messages:

  • Steel and CO₂ Emissions
    Steel production remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, meaning that decarbonization requires more than simply switching to renewable energy sources. Low-carbon technologies are needed along the entire value chain, as steel production currently accounts for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This poses a significant challenge for both the energy transition and economic growth in developing and emerging economies.
  • Existing Technologies and Strategies
    Key levers include replacing coal with natural gas combined with CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage), using biomass with CCUS, and deploying hydrogen-based direct reduction technologies. Further progress can be achieved through efficiency improvements, higher recycling rates, modern control systems, and waste heat utilization. Moreover, more efficient use of raw materials through improved processing and transport methods is essential.
  • Modernization Potential and Investment Cycles
    By 2030, most steel plants will reach a stage in their investment cycles where modernization is due – a crucial opportunity to integrate low-CO₂ technologies. Coordinated international action could prevent around 30 billion tons of CO₂ emissions from steel production by 2060. Global cooperation is therefore a key to success.
  • Focus on China and India
    China and India are pivotal to global decarbonization efforts: China is the largest steel producer, and India is expected to triple its production capacity by 2050. China could take a leading role by converting blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces (EAFs). However, many smaller plants in both countries may face investment barriers to adopting new technologies. Different starting points between industrialized and emerging economies require tailored strategies – for example, converting older Japanese facilities to scrap-based EAFs.
  • Is There a Universal Solution?
    Neither hydrogen nor CO₂ capture alone can fully decarbonize the steel industry. Hydrogen could reduce emissions per ton by up to 90%, but both technologies demand massive infrastructure investments. The key question, therefore, is how “low-carbon steel” is defined and traded, ensuring that all cost-effective emission reductions are utilized – rather than focusing exclusively on a single technology.

Nomination of “ALL IN! Energy and Prosperity for a Growing World” for the getAbstract International Book Award 2025

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We are especially pleased to announce that the publication “ALL IN! Energy and Prosperity for a Growing World” has been nominated for the getAbstract International Book Award 2025 in the Business Impact category. The knowledge provider getAbstract, which specializes in verified expert knowledge and microlearning tools, has placed ALL IN! on the shortlist of ten nominated publications.

Since 2001, getAbstract has annually honored works that offer unique insights into current economic and business topics. The winners in the Business Impact category will be announced on October 15, 2025, in Frankfurt am Main, during the Frankfurt Book Fair.

A free summary of the book is available on getAbstract.

Interview on Climate Nationalism in Welt am Sonntag, July 6, 2025

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It’s Time to End Climate Nationalism

Energy expert and government advisor Franz Josef Radermacher delivers a sharp critique of German energy policy. He describes Germany as a “climate prison” that wastes vast sums of money while ignoring effective solutions – because certain actors profit from the current system

In the interview, Franz Josef Radermacher criticizes German climate policy as inefficient, overregulated, and expensive. He calls Germany a “climate prison” in which billions are spent on national measures that bring little global benefit. Instead, he advocates for an international climate policy: CO₂ emissions could be reduced much more cost-effectively in developing and emerging countries – through reforestation, CCS (carbon capture and storage), and CCU (carbon capture and utilization). These global approaches, he argues, are more effective and would also promote prosperity in poorer regions. Radermacher views Germany’s “all-electric” strategy – focused on wind and solar energy – critically, calling it costly and incomplete. He warns against degrowth and calls for the repeal of the Energy Efficiency Act. He considers the 2021 ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court a mistake, as it overburdens Germany while being globally ineffective. His appeal: cooperation instead of climate nationalism – for realistic and effective climate protection.

Due to numerous inquiries, Prof. Radermacher has also answered additional questions that arose in connection with the interview.

The original interview in Welt am Sonntag from July 6, 2025, and the additional questions and answers can be found at the links below:

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THE “CLIMATE PRISON”

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(FAW/n Report)

How current narratives and regulations block the path to effective and economically sensible climate protection

Germany’s situation regarding climate protection is tragic in two respects. On the one hand, the current approach achieves essentially nothing in addressing climate change as a global challenge. Worldwide emissions continue to rise. On the other hand, this path generates extremely high avoidable costs, which burden our country and especially large parts of the economy. The economic and social collateral damage of the chosen path is clearly visible. Alongside the many losers, there are also beneficiaries of this path – actors who have contributed to shaping the current regulatory framework and who seek to prevent any change to the status quo to the greatest possible extent. Since an overall economic assessment of past policies is so clearly negative, the new government is attempting to take new approaches, though it is con-strained by the narrow scope of pre-existing agreements. One can only wish it success, for success is urgently needed. However, this is easier said than done, as Germany is trapped in a regulatory “climate prison”. A more technology-open and international approach, which would massively reduce transformation costs and serve climate protection far more effectively, is made extremely difficult by the regulatory structures that have developed in recent years, with their deeply layered effects at multiple levels. For the sake of the people, the economy, and the climate, it is to be hoped that the new government will succeed – despite all resistance – in breaking free from this “prison”.