Episode: Innovations on a global stage: Reflections on #ZeroCon26 with Varun Chandak 

"The conference doesn't end with the last session". In this special episode, guest host Judith Hermetter sits down with Varun Chandak, Founder and Executive Director of Access to Success, to recap the high-energy days of the Zero Project Conference 2026 (#ZeroCon26) at the United Nations in Vienna. 

As the implementation partner for the Zero Project Scaling Solutions Programme, Varun and his team provide training, matchmaking, and resources necessary for Programme Fellows to take their innovations to new regions and countries. Varun shares his first-hand observations—from the intensity of stage rehearsals at the UN to the emotional experience of presenting at the Austrian Parliament. 

Tune in to hear Varun’s insights into networking with intent, the role of AI in conference planning, and why the most important part of any presentation is a clear call to action. 

Resources & Links

🔗 Programme website: scaling-solutions.zeroproject.org

📄 Transcript

✅  Key Takeaways

🌐 Guest: Varun Chandak

📩 Contact: [email protected]

Brought to you by

The Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, and Access to Success.

Credits

Host: Tom Butcher

Production: Małgorzata Grobelna, Alessandro Gobello, and Judith Hermetter

Audio Engineering: Antina Zlatkova / Mediengarten