8. – 15. November 2025

Berlin Freedom Week 2025

Berlin invites you to the Berlin Freedom Week – the new citywide initiative for freedom and democracy which will take place annually starting in 2025.

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. 

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 ist die Stadt der Freiheit - und deshalb der richtige Ort für die erste Berlin Freedom Week. Der Austausch im Rahmen der Veranstaltungen ist von größter Bedeutung - für uns und für all jene, die sich für Freiheit, Rechtsstaatlichkeit und unsere demokratischen Werte einsetzen."

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

"Als SED-Opferbeauftragte des Bundestages treffe ich tagtäglich mutige Frauen und Männer, die für ihren Kampf für Freiheit und Selbststimmung Repression bis hin zur Haft ausgesetzt waren. Ihre Schicksale mahnen uns, dass Freiheit und Demokratie keine Selbstverständlichkeit sind."

 

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

„Berlin Freedom Week shows the world freedom is worth fighting for – and possible. It unites those who know how to resist and rebuild. We are the proof dictators don’t get the last word. Freedom does.“  

Faisal Saeed al Mutar
Faisal Saeed al Mutar
Co-founder of Ideas Beyond Borders

„Frieden kann nur dort existieren, wo Menschen in Freiheit leben, ihre Rechte respektiert werden und sie ihre eigenen Entscheidungen treffen können. Ohne Freiheit sind Frieden und Sicherheit oberflächlich oder schlicht nicht vorhanden.“

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

„Die Berliner Mauer kam unblutig zu Fall. Aber vergessen wir nicht, dass diesem glücklichen Ereignis jahrzehntelanger Widerstand und Opferbereitschaft vieler Dissidenten im Ostblock vorausging! Wo immer sich auch heute Menschen gegen Unterdrückung wehren, sollten wir ihnen zur Seite stehen.“

 

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.

Events

TBA
Filmtheater Colosseum
On-site
Filmscreening
A highlight of Berlin Freedom Week, Stories of Freedom at the Filmtheater Colosseum presents five films and panel discussions featuring international dissidents — with a focus on “Women as Voices of Freedom.”
Akademie der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
On-site
Workshop
The Youth Academy "Future Freedom Lab" inspires young people to engage with the values of freedom, tolerance, and democratic participation. Through workshops, creative formats, and dialogue, democracy becomes a tangible and shapeable experience.
On-site
Reading
Uyghur human rights activist Rushan Abbas presents her book Unbroken – One Uyghur’s Fight for Freedom. The reading highlights the ongoing injustice against Uyghur women, state oppression by the Chinese government, and personal stories of resistance.
French Embassy in Germany
On-site
Discussion
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.
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.
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.
Online (Zoom)
Online
Workshop
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
Discussion
How do Stasi surveillance and digital spyware affect individuals and societies? The panel discussion critically examines the consequences of authoritarian surveillance mechanisms.
Zu dieser Veranstaltung gibt es noch kein Veranstaltungsbild
Polish Embassy
On-site
Discussion
In times of authoritarian backsliding, the panel discusses the role of women as security policy actors — in resistance, exile, and leadership roles. The focus is on how foreign and security policy can effectively respond to authoritarian developments.

Would you like to participate in Berlin Freedom Week as a partner or sponsor?
Then get in touch with us.

Initiatoren

Initiators

Supporters

Media partners

Event partners