2015: Prof. Ronald Barazon Topic: How far does tolerance go? In his keynote speech, the Austrian journalist and newspaper editor spoke about the tasks of the state, business and society and called for a well-fortified democracy. “Tolerance is more than mere toleration.” Press Report 2016: Prof. Klaus Töpfer Topic: The Limits to Europe The former Federal Environment Minister of Germany and founding director of the Research Institute for Climate Change, Earth System and Sustainability in Potsdam (IASS) spoke about the consequences of climate change: “If nothing happens, something will happen.” 2017: Dr. Anneliese Rohrer Topic: The Future of Freedom “Let’s use our freedom and protect our democracy, because in many places it is more endangered than we think,” said Austria’s best-known newspaper commentator in her opening speech. 2018: Doğan Akhanlı Thema: Longing for Europe The Turkish-German writer spoke about the search for paradise lost and warned of the consequences of a lack of historical awareness. “Increasing Nationalism and racism have become “monsters”. press report 2019: Prof. Maurizio Bettini Topic: Who owns Europe? The Italian literary scholar dealt with “Heimat Fremde Erde”, the roots and myths of Europe. “Coming from foreign countries was no obstacle to a citizenship in ancient Rome. Everyone had two fatherlands and thus identities.” The Speech 2020: Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker EXODUS: Leaving the Familiar The environmental scientist and Club of Rome honorary president spoke of the need to move out of the “full world” that is being stifled by overpopulation and ceaseless growth. “A more sustainable world is necessary for survival”, he said in his speech. 2021: Seyran Ateş FAIRNESS: The new Globalization “Equal rights without role reversal and on an equal footing for all people: This goal should drive us all to finally achieve a fair society,” said the well-known Berlin lawyer, imamine and women’s rights activist Seyran Ateş. 2022: Robert Menasse CHANGE: How to build New Europe The author of the bestseller “The Capital” once again called on Europe’s political decision-makers to abandon their national selfishness so that the European Union can continue to develop. Press text. 2023: Marlene Streeruwitz Growth at the beginning – Future at the End? Every life must be guaranteed the right to a loving welcome in the world, and the patriarchal sibling rivalry must be resolved. Tolerance is not enough to establish peace; a basic right to love is required. Kleine Zeitung.
