Press Release - Zala Climate Festival Showcases Local Action and Collaboration on Climate Resilience

Keszthely, Hungary | 16-18 April 2026 – The Zala Climate Festival, organised by the DIRECTED Project, will take place in Keszthely from 16 to 18 April 2026.

The festival brings together scientists, policymakers, local stakeholders, artists and young people for a programme combining policy discussion, public engagement and creative activities.

Climate Resilient West Balaton Roundtable (16 April)

On Thursday 16 April (14:00–16:30, Mayor’s Office, Keszthely), the Climate Resilient West Balaton Alliance Roundtable will take place.

This invite-only session will bring together local authorities, businesses and experts to discuss:

• climate protection and adaptation priorities in the region
• discussion on establishing a climate resilience alliance in the West Balaton region
• the role of climate services in local economic planning
• green infrastructure development

The roundtable will be opened by Gergely Tóth.

Dr. Gergely Tóth, Mayor of Keszthely, said:
“Keszthely has an important opportunity to connect climate resilience with local development. Bringing together science, public institutions, businesses and communities can support more coordinated action in the West Balaton region.”

Public Programme (17-18 April)

Public events will take place across Keszthely from 17 April.

Our Resilient Future: Youth Voices & Visions

• 17 April | 14:00–15:00 | Main Square | Open to public

An interactive dialogue bringing together young people and participants to discuss how art and science can contribute to climate action.

Art X Science Climate Village

• 17–18 April | 10:00–16:00 | Main Square | Open to public

An interactive space combining science, technology and creative activities.

The programme includes:

• Travelling Climate Action Roadshow
• Climate Capsule
• Virtual reality experiences
• Games and arts and crafts

The Climate Village is organised by DIRECTED in collaboration with:

• Centre for the Promotion of Science
• B-Prepared
• Helikon Art Festival partners

Collaborating contributions include:

• P.A.D algae cocktail bar

Youth Climate Art Exhibition and Awards

• Exhibition: 16-18 April | 10:00-16:30 | Balaton Theater –  Básti Lajos Hall | Open to public
• Awards: 18 April | 15:00–17:00 | Csokonai Sports Hall

Young people aged 12–21 responded to the Our Resilient Future open call with artworks exploring climate-resilient futures.

Selected works will be presented during the festival, with awards announced on 18 April.

DIRECTED Project Information

Natascha Ng, Research Associate, SEI Oxford and DIRECTED Project Event Organiser, said:

“What we are trying to do through the DIRECTED Project is move climate information out of data and models, into real-world decision-making. In regions like the West Balaton, this means providing locally relevant, long-term forecasts – on heat, drought, flood and extreme eventsthat can directly inform infrastructure planning, economic development and community preparedness.

But data alone is not enough. Initiatives like this festival show how we can connect science with people – through art, dialogue and participation so that climate resilience becomes something communities actively shape, rather than something imposed from above.”

About the DIRECTED Project:

The DIRECTED project is an Innovation Action under the Civil Security for Society, Disaster-Resilient Societies Programme of the Horizon Europe funded by the European Union. Project details and a full list of participant organisations can be found on the link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101073978 . Associate partners SEI Oxford and Oasis Hub are funded by Innovate UK and ETH Zurich is funded by The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), Switzerland

Notes to Editors

• The Zala Climate Festival takes place in Keszthely from 16–18 April 2026
• The 16 April roundtable is invite-only
• Local press will be invited to events, including on 16 April
• Public events take place on 17 – 18 April
• The DIRECTED Project is a Horizon Europe Innovation Action funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union.

Contacts: 

Natascha Ng – natascha.ng@sei.org

DIRECTED Project Website: https://directedproject.eu/

Media Contact

Tracy Irvine – tracy.irvine@oasishub.io