Program

DER OSTEN is one of the leading conferences for Eastern Germany and beyond. With this event, Der Tagesspiegel offers a platform for around 750 doers from politics, business, science, and civil society.

A creative workshop where children design candles in honor of freedom.

A bike tour along the Berlin Wall: Experience moving escape stories, real Wall remnants & remarkable sites between Prenzlauer Berg and the government district – history up close.

A child-friendly film about courage and freedom during the fall of the Berlin Wall.

An original (East) Berliner guides visitors through the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Straße, sharing personal stories of escape, imprisonment, and the search for freedom in East and West Berlin – with historical photos and a real 1983 Trabant.

Film screening with a creative follow-up activity for children.

Guided tours through the Stasi Records Archive, the Archive of the GDR Opposition, and the grounds of the former headquarters — with eyewitnesses and exhibitions on surveillance, resistance, and revolution in the GDR.

The Berlin Science Week is a major event that transforms Berlin into a hub of scientific ideas, celebrating research and innovation from the city’s institutions and international partners. Held annually from November 1st to 10th, it showcases the importance of scientific freedom and its role in building a resilient society.

The Falling Walls Science Summit unites the world’s greatest minds to break down barriers in science and society. It brings together global science leaders, business pioneers, and public sector visionaries to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and shape the future – annually from 6–9 November in Berlin.

Lizzie Doron's gripping novel comes to the stage for the first time! Daphna Rosenthal portrays Rivi Greenfeld, daughter of Holocaust survivors, whose spirit of resistance awakens just when all seems to be lost.

Tracing the former course of the Berlin Wall: From Glienicke Bridge to Neuer Garten and the Bertini-Enge, this tour recounts dramatic stories of division, escape attempts, and Cold War espionage.

Guided tour through the exhibition “Everyday Life in the GDR” with a discussion on human rights in East Germany – past and present.

How can the values of Germany’s Basic Law become a unifying force? The WerteInitiative invites participants to a public discussion on democratic identity and constitutional patriotism – relevant to all members of society.

The Wall Museum invites Berlin school classes (grade 8 and up) to a free visit including a contemporary witness talk – directly at the Berlin Wall, on the former border strip.

The BND is hosting a day of action as part of the Berlin Freedom Week, titled "Freedom. Security. Dialogue.", which includes engaging discussions and tours of the permanent exhibition.

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 strengthen democracy worldwide.

Victor Schefé tells the story of a childhood in the GDR, of farewells, new beginnings, and the search for freedom.

The Chinese exiled artist Badiucao and the American journalist Melissa Chan in conversation.

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.

The founder and acting Chief Executive Officer of the USA-based NGO Alliance for Citizens rights will present the past, present, and future of the China Citizens Movement. Her presentation is based on her personal experience and observations as a wife, mother, and as a growing human rights defender/activist from 2013 until today

An interactive exhibition about courage and empowerment for children and adults.

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.

Better Politics Day isn't just an event. It's a spark, and you're part of it. Join a global community of political innovators, reformers, funders, public leaders, academics, and optimists working to reimagine what politics can be.

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.

Together with former prisoners, we will write postcards to political detainees in Belarus – a sign of hope, in a setting of conversation and solidarity.

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.

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.

Immigrants share best practices on how participation, democracy, and civil society function in an inclusive, digital society – and what Berlin can learn from them.

How Ulbricht shaped the GDR: Kowalczuk analyzes power dynamics, repression, and state formation – a key work on the history of German communism.

A virtual guided tour through the former Soviet pre-trial detention center. Focus: the prisoners' fate and harsh prison conditions.

How do Stasi surveillance and digital spyware affect individuals and societies? The panel discussion critically examines the consequences of authoritarian surveillance mechanisms.

The event highlights the escalation after the November Pogroms 1938: mass arrests of Jewish men, deportations to concentration camps, and forced emigration.

Thomas Mann’s novella from 1930 was immediately interpreted as a political parable about the rise of fascism in Europe. The story raises questions about how individuals can be manipulated.

Ein Rundgang durch das einstige Sperrgebiet zeigt Relikte der sowjetischen Geheimdienste und vermittelt einen Eindruck vom Alltag im „Militärstädtchen Nr. 7“.

Solidarity action with affected families and humanitarian context.

Dissidents from the GDR, today’s dictatorships, and civil society discuss in three topic panels the issues of freedom of speech, environmental engagement, and political participation — and what unites and strengthens protest movements today.

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.”

The documentary follows three women who have been tirelessly fighting for a democratic Belarus since the protests of 2020. After the screening, there will be a panel discussion with the filmmakers.

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.

Historian Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk reads from his book Freiheitsschock and reflects on East Germany’s history since 1989 – with critical insights into unity, remembrance, and responsibility.