Convex functionals and generalized harmonic maps into spaces of non positive curvature (Q1908875)

The main purpose of this paper is to prove the following: Theorem. Let \(X_1, X_2\) be metric spaces. Assume that \(X_2\) is complete and nonpositively curved in the sense of Alexandrov, in particular, \(X_2\) is simply connected. Let \(\Gamma\) be a subgroup of the isometry group of \(X_1\), and suppose the measures on \(X_1\) required for defining the energy of a map from \(X_1\) are \(\Gamma\)-equivariant. Let \(\rho : \Gamma \to I (X_2)\) be a reductive homomorphism into the isometry group of \(X_2\). If there exists a \(\rho\)-equivariant map \(f : X_1 \to X_2\) (i.e. \(f(\gamma x) = \rho (\gamma) f(x)\) for all \(x \in X_1, \gamma \in \Gamma)\) of finite energy, then there also exists a \(\rho\)-equivariant harmonic map from \(X_1\) to \(X_2\).