8. – 15. November 2025

Berlin Freedom Week 2025

Berlin invites you to the Berlin Freedom Week – the new citywide initiative for freedom and democracy.

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 stands as a global symbol of the courage people showed in resisting oppression. A triumph of democracy. 

This legacy lives on – and we celebrate it with the Berlin Freedom Week under the patronage of the Governing Mayor of Berlin.

A platform for dialogue, fresh perspectives, and new ideas. From conferences featuring voices from politics, business, and civil society to eyewitness talks, cultural events, and interactive formats: Berlin Freedom Week creates new spaces for connection.

Together with Berliners and guests from across Germany and around the world. For the values that hold our free society together.

Join us as Berlin takes a stand. For freedom. Together. 

Initiated by:

free to speak
free to vote
free to learn
free to own
free to believe
free to assemble
free to think
free to love
free to demonstrate

"Berlin is the city of freedom – and therefore the right place for the first Berlin Freedom Week. The exchange within the framework of the events is of the greatest importance – for us and for all those who stand up for freedom, the rule of law, and our democratic values."

Kai Wegner
Kai Wegner
Regierender Bürgermeister von Berlin & Schirmherr der Berlin Freedom Week und Conference

"As the Federal Commissioner for the Victims of the SED Dictatorship, I meet courageous women and men every day who were subjected to repression, even imprisonment, for their fight for freedom and self-determination. Their fates remind us that freedom and democracy cannot be taken for granted."
 

Evelyn Zupke
Evelyn Zupke
The SED Victims Commissioner at the German Bundestag

“Peace can only exist where people live in freedom, their rights are respected, and they can make their own decisions. Without freedom, peace and security are superficial or simply nonexistent.”

Frank Ebert
Frank Ebert
Berlin Commissioner for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship

„In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell. In 2025, it can happen again. Berlin Freedom Week is a call to tear down the new walls — of censorship, fear, and oppression — and unite for freedom and democracy, because there can be no freedom without democracy.“  Leopoldo Lopéz

Leopoldo Lopez
Leopoldo Lopéz
Secretary General - World Liberty Congress

„The City Of Berlin will always be a reminder to the world that no wall lasts forever. In Iran, the compulsory hijab is our wall. When we fight to remove the hijab mandate, we are tearing down a wall, brick by brick, just like the people of Berlin did.“

Masih Alinejad
Masih Alinejad
President - World Liberty Congress

„Berlin Freedom Week gives voice to those silenced by tyranny. As WLC’s MENA Secretary, I bring the voice of Afghan women fighting gender apartheid—calling on the world to stand with us in defiance, in unity, and in hope.“

Nilofar Ayoubi
Nilofar Ayoubi
Secretary General for MENA and South Asia - World Liberty Congress

„Berlin was where I first tasted liberty. Now at #BerlinFreedomWeek, I stand with others who are fighting for freedom and dignity. This week matters because it brings us together to share stories, push for change, and show that tech and education can keep hope alive.“

Roya Mahboob, Afghan Girls Robotic Team
Roya Mahboob
Afghan Girls Robotic Team

“The Berlin Wall fell without bloodshed. But let us not forget that this fortunate event was preceded by decades of resistance and sacrifice by many dissidents in the Eastern Bloc! Wherever people stand up against oppression today, we should stand by their side.”

 

Ulrike Poppe
Ulrike Poppe
Civil rights activist and former opposition member of the GDR
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Berlin Freedom Conference

Berlin Freedom Conference

The central conference of Berlin Freedom Week on November 10 will bring together powerful voices from international politics, business, civil society, culture, and the media to discuss new perspectives, alliances, and concrete joint responses to defend and strengthen freedom worldwide.

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Berlin Freedom Week Mobil

Berlin Freedom Week Mobile

The Freedom Week Mobile brings the most important voices of the week directly into the urban space - with a stage, freedom bell, audio stations, and a participatory module that invites visitors to leave their answer to the question “What does freedom mean to me?” 

Events

LIBERECO – Partnership for Human Rights - Brunnenstraße 9, 10119 Berlin
On-site
Workshop
Together with former prisoners, we will write postcards to political detainees in Belarus – a sign of hope, in a setting of conversation and solidarity.
French Embassy in Germany
On-site
We are bringing together tech founders and CEOs, shapers and innovators with political leaders to discuss how technology can champion freedom globally. The evening includes vital discussions and a reception at the Ambassador's residence for idea exchange.
Haus 22, Stasi Headquarters. Campus for Democracy
On-site
Reading
In his new book, Marko Martin calls for a responsible freedom – opposing authoritarian temptations, false securities, and Western complacency. A plea for courage, responsibility, and clarity.
Akademie der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
On-site
Two women, two continents, one goal: defending freedom. Nilofar Ayoubi and Carine Kanimba share courage, resilience, and hope against oppression—and discuss how freedom can be protected worldwide.
Online (Zoom)
Online
How do journalists uphold truth and democracy in the face of rising global threats? Join Aspen Germany for an International Press Roundtable where key media voices reflect on the vital societal role they play in today’s world.
Campus für Demokratie. Former Stasi Headquarters, Building 22,
On-site
How do Stasi surveillance and digital spyware affect individuals and societies? The panel discussion critically examines the consequences of authoritarian surveillance mechanisms.
Markthalle Neun
On-site
An evening like in Taipei: At Markthalle Neun, Berlin’s Taiwanese kitchens serve street food classics and creative new dishes. Music, encounters and insights into Taiwan’s culture – open to all as part of Berlin Freedom Week.
Filmtheater Colosseum
On-site
Filmscreening
Stories of Freedom is dedicated to the global struggle for democracy, freedom, and human rights. In films, discussions, and an interactive exhibition, activists talk about courage, resistance, and hope. The focus is on women as the driving force behind democratic movements.
Polish Embassy
On-site
Women shaping change: from democracy movements to security policy. The event brings together experts, activists, and politicians to exchange perspectives and promote international networking.

Initiatoren

Initiators

Supporters

Media partners

Event partners