“I congratulate Mayor Dr. Michael Ludwig on his success in greatly fostering education, internationalism, and science in Vienna, and in creating for them the space that this extraordinary cosmopolitan city needs for its prosperous future. May the traditional Vienna Ball of Sciences continue to reflect a visible sign of enlightenment, of openness to the world, and of the joy of knowledge from the heart of Europe.”

Ronald S. Lauder is President of the World Jewish Congress and President of the Lauder Business School in Vienna.