2015 Austria

Hosted by Dr. Michael Grabner from University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, the opening ceremony began with performances of Austrian and international music bands,and followed by the welcome remarks delivered by Dr. Wolfgang Muchitsch, the scientific director of Universalmuseum Joanneum, Dr. Howard Rosen, the WWDF Chairman, Paula Kunz, the ambassador of Plants for the Planet, Christopher Drexler, Landesart of Styrian Government and Mr. Josef Plank, the Secretary-General, Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism of Austria.

The opening ceremony was attended by all WWD participants and the local media. The museum provided an ideal venue for the event with its beautiful environment and surrounding forests. "Sounds of wood" accompanied the opening ceremony as children played and explored the material nearby. The planting of four memorial trees at the venue marked the end of the Ceremony.