Berlin Freedom Week 2026
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:
"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."
"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."
“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.”
"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."
„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."
"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."
"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."
“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."
Berlin Freedom Conference
The second edition of the central conference of Berlin Freedom Week will take place on November 10. It brings 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.
Stories of Freedom
On November 11, Colosseum Berlin becomes a cinema of freedom: Stories of Freedom presents international documentaries about people who stand up to autocracy and injustice, such as Hope Is a Word, Our Colors Never Fade and Killing Anna. Selected by international juries, presented with Berlin organisations, each followed by a talk.
Freedom and Security Women Summit
The Freedom and Security Women Summit on November 9 at the German Bundestag is an initiative for women's rights, democratic resilience, and tangible political impact against authoritarianism, featuring prominent international leaders, activists, and experts.
Stasi Headquarters. Campus for Democracy
The Federal Archives—Stasi Records Archive presents daily events at Stasi Headquarters. Campus for Democracy as part of Berlin Freedom Week. A special highlight is the Ostfrauen*Salon on November 7, which invites guests to connect at a lavishly set table.
Event map
Discover our citywide program: From Mitte to Wannsee, from Pankow to Schöneweide, the Berlin Freedom Week offers guided tours, discussions, exhibitions, films, concerts, family-friendly activities, and much more.
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