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Engineering Perspectives at the FONDS professionell KONGRESS 2026 in Mannheim

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The FONDS professionell KONGRESS 2026 in Mannheim once again proved to be one of the most influential meeting points for professionals from the investment, asset management, and financial advisory sectors. Over two intensive days, the event brought together decision-makers, experts, and thought leaders to exchange perspectives on market developments, investment strategies, and long-term sustainability trends shaping the industry.

At the heart of the congress, SIERA was present with a dedicated stand, offering visitors the opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions around sustainable finance, real assets, and infrastructure investments. The strong interest throughout the event clearly demonstrated the growing demand for technically sound, engineering-driven approaches that support resilient and future-ready investment decisions.

Focus on Sustainable Finance and Real Assets

Across the congress, sustainability emerged not as a niche topic, but as a central strategic pillar for investors. Discussions at the SIERA stand highlighted how environmental, technical, and regulatory considerations are increasingly shaping capital allocation decisions. In particular, real assets and infrastructure were repeatedly identified as key investment classes capable of combining long-term value creation with measurable environmental and societal impact.

Experts from the SIERA Alliance emphasized that sustainable finance requires more than high-level ESG frameworks. Robust engineering expertise, data-driven assessments, and a deep understanding of physical assets are essential to translate sustainability goals into tangible outcomes. This perspective resonated strongly with visitors seeking reliable methodologies to navigate complex regulatory requirements while maintaining economic performance.

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Engineering Expertise as a Strategic Asset

A major highlight of the congress was the expert lecture titled “How Engineers Are Saving Our Planet,” delivered by Florian Freiherr von Tucher, Chairman of SIERA. The presentation focused on the critical role engineers play in addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and urbanization.

The lecture illustrated how engineering solutions form the foundation of sustainable transformation across sectors, from infrastructure development and brownfield revitalization to climate-resilient construction and environmental remediation. By bridging technical feasibility with financial strategy, engineers enable investors to make informed decisions that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.

The strong engagement following the lecture reflected a clear shift in mindset among financial professionals: sustainability is no longer viewed solely through a reporting lens, but increasingly as a value driver rooted in technical substance and long-term performance.

Dialogue, Exchange, and Practical Insights

Beyond the formal program, the FONDS professionell KONGRESS 2026 provided ample opportunities for direct exchange. At the SIERA stand, conversations with asset managers, institutional investors, and advisors focused on practical challenges, including risk assessment for infrastructure projects, regulatory compliance, and the integration of sustainability criteria into investment processes.

These discussions reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Financial expertise, regulatory knowledge, and engineering competence must work together to address the complexity of modern investment landscapes. The congress setting enabled open dialogue, allowing participants to share experiences, challenges, and best practices across markets and asset classes.

Looking Ahead

The insights gained in Mannheim underline a clear trend: the future of investment lies at the intersection of finance, engineering, and sustainability. As regulatory frameworks evolve and investor expectations continue to rise, technically grounded approaches will become increasingly essential.

The FONDS professionell KONGRESS 2026 confirmed the relevance of the SIERA Alliance’s mission to support sustainable decision-making through engineering excellence. The event not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also strengthened connections across the financial and technical communities.

SIERA would like to thank all visitors, partners, speakers, and organizers who contributed to the success of the congress. The conversations initiated in Mannheim will continue beyond the event, driving collaboration and innovation in pursuit of Engineering For A Better Tomorrow.

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A Message from the Founder: Florian von Tucher

In the mid-2000s my involvement in development aid took me to some of the most remote and impoverished regions of the world. 

Northern Tibet, Mongolia, and Western China – where I was involved with the implementation of decentralised wastewater treatment systems, I realised I needed a deeper purpose. Though I later found success in real estate development, the desire to make a lasting impact never left me.  

A pivotal moment occurred when I was invited to Ghana by my friend and mentor, Cardinal Peter Turkson, who was the head of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development of the Catholic Church at the time. He has since been appointed the Pontifical Chancellor of the Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Chancellor of Social Sciences.  

Cardinal Turkson had a profound influence on me. His invitation gave me the opportunity to witness firsthand the development needs of the country. We reflected on my experiences in China, and together, we envisioned a model of development that would take root in one community and gradually expand. We believed that small, strategic steps could lead to lasting transformation – just like the biblical parable of the mustard seed, which grows into something far greater than its humble beginnings. 

Cardinal Turkson’s steadfast belief in this vision and encouragement became the base upon which the Mustard Seed Foundation was built. His unwavering support, wisdom, and guidance helped shape not just the mission of the Foundation, but my personal journey as well. 

With the encouragement of the Cardinal and the Integral Human Development (IHD) office, we initially operated with the IHD before establishing the Mustard Seed Foundation as a stand-alone organisation in Germany. We have been fortunate to receive support from numerous European donors, a humble reminder that our mission is not just about individual efforts – it is about collective impact. 

Collaboration has been a cornerstone of our work. We have partnered with organisations like Caritas and Rotary International to extend our reach. One of our most impactful collaborations has been with M&P Group, who donate their engineering concepts, project supervision, and high-quality technical execution, allowing 100% of donor contributions to go into the projects themselves. 

One such initiative is the Clean Water Initiative, launched in partnership with M&P Group. In 2024, we completed a well in Ndoss, Senegal, significantly improving agricultural efficiency and empowering the local community. This project epitomises our commitment to sustainable solutions – starting with clean water and gradually building infrastructure that supports long-term development. 

Our work aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and humanitarian aid. Our model is simple but effective: start with one project and expand, year by year, to create an ecosystem of support. A water well leads to a school, which leads to renewable energy solutions, which, in turn, fosters economic opportunities. Over time, these efforts cumulatively transform entire regions. 

The Mustard Seed Foundation is a testament to what can be achieved with nothing more than a vision, a strong commitment, and the faith of a mustard seed. Yet, none of this would have been possible without the belief and encouragement of Cardinal Peter Turkson. His unwavering faith in our mission gave me the courage to persevere through challenges and continue expanding our impact. As we continue our work, we remain driven by the belief that small beginnings can yield great outcomes, inspiring hope and lasting change in the communities we serve. His legacy of faith, vision, and commitment to human dignity is deeply woven into every initiative we undertake.