The HKI Industrial Association for House, Heating and Kitchen Technology held its annual general meeting in Berlin on June 26 and 27, 2024. The industry association represents the interests of the Departments for Heating and Cooking Appliances and Catering Equipment with more than 230 members. Around 160 participants with representatives from politics, business and associations accepted the invitation to the festive gala.

The festive gala focused on the anniversary "75 years of HKI Industrieverband", the ceremonial address by Parliamentary State Secretary Michael Theurer in the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs and the awarding of the 2nd HKI Future Prize to the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) - on behalf of the Secretary General Alexander Bonde.

This was in line with the guiding theme "Innovations - the key to a sustainable future". HKI President Christiane Wodtke introduced the event with the words "Innovations are the basis for an economically, ecologically and socially balanced future. This also closes the circle to our 1st HKI Future Prize winner, the visionary and pioneer Prof. Dr. Klaus Töpfer.

Growing awareness of the problems of human coexistence and the climate debate require a discussion about a holistic understanding of sustainability. What reliably measures prosperity, provides information about the downsides and creates prospects for a good future for people, our environment and, not least, our companies? We have to face up to these issues".

The keynote speech by Michael Theurer, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Digital and Transport, followed on from this. In his speech, the FDP politician reflected on the previous successes of the German government and the parliamentary groups supporting it and spoke about shaping the necessary transformations in the area of climate and energy policy, which require a pragmatically open and encouraging approach to economic considerations and the possibilities of industry. "Only through openness to technology can new paths and innovative solutions be found to tackle the transformation tasks of our time. Innovation is the prerequisite for prosperity, growth and jobs in our country. Germany therefore urgently needs an economic turnaround in order to catch up with the global competition and regain a leading position," summarized Parliamentary State Secretary Theurer.

The highlight of the gala was the presentation of the HKI Future Prize to the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU), represented by Secretary General Alexander Bonde.
In her laudatory speech, President Christiane Wodtke - on behalf of the HKI Association - paid tribute to the DBU for its far-sighted and forward-looking work for the sustainable future of our planet. She expressed her appreciation and thanks to Secretary General Alexander Bonde, who has played a key role in shaping the direction of the DBU.

"Innovation is the key to a sustainable future. Especially in a time of change, the DBU provides important impetus with a wide range of knowledge and expertise in environmental protection and nature conservation. Our award winner this year is an important driving force in our time, for the benefit of people and the environment, and has thus rendered great services to our society," said Christiane Wodtke.Secretary General Alexander Bonde presented the foundation's mission and the work of the DBU in his interesting speech. The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) is one of the largest foundations in Europe and, in accordance with its mission statement and mandate, promotes innovative, exemplary and solution-oriented projects to protect the environment, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.

Alexander Bonde: "We have long been in the middle of the climate crisis. We must waste no more time in tackling the pressing environmental problems in order to preserve an earth worth living on. To do this, we need innovative solutions with direct practical relevance. This is exactly what the German Federal Environmental Foundation has been promoting for more than 30 years.  Conflicts and wars may be resolved through compromise and negotiation - but not nature, physics and ecological disasters. Because lost ecosystems are gone for all time. We must act with practical innovations and stop both the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity," says Alexander Bonde.

Frank Kienle, Managing Director of the HKI Industrial Association, emphasizes "the association and its member companies are well positioned, prepared for the challenges and aware of their responsibility.  Our companies have demonstrated their innovative strength in recent years. With a high level of research and development, our industry now offers pioneering products. Sustainable technologies stand for a sustainable future."

The festive gala - also a farewell event for the incumbent President - was certainly a highlight in the history of the industry association.
Members and guests agreed that this event was an important opportunity to exchange ideas and an incentive to actively shape the future. Sustainability is part of every company's code of values and is an ongoing process.

Christiane Wodtke sums up: "We need to promote a sustainable corporate culture.  The future will be a great challenge. Social change, science and technology are the key areas that will play a decisive role. Growth and sustainability do not have to be mutually exclusive. We, companies and politicians, are all called upon to take action. I am confident that we can overcome the challenges with entrepreneurial spirit and balanced policies.