Berlin sets an international example for freedom – successful first Berlin Freedom Conference

Berlin, 11 November 2025 From divided city to capital of freedom: with the premiere of the Berlin Freedom Conference on Monday, Berlin sent a strong signal for democracy and freedom. Around 1,000 participants and more than 60 speakers from all over the world gathered at the Gasometer Schöneberg – united by the goal of strengthening freedom and democracy worldwide. A compelling occasion: More than 70 per cent of the world's population now lives under authoritarian systems.

Kai Wegner, Berlin's Governing Mayor and patron of the event, opened the Berlin Freedom Conference: ‘Berlin stands alongside all freedom fighters around the world.’ He announced that Berlin Freedom Week, of which the Berlin Freedom Conference is a part, will take place annually in future. In her speech, Evelyn Zupke, former GDR civil rights activist and SED victims' commissioner at the German Bundestag, recalled the peaceful revolution of 1989 and reminded listeners that democratic change is still possible today.

The Berlin Freedom Conference was organised by visitBerlin, the Axel Springer Freedom Foundation and the World Liberty Congress. It was a highlight of Berlin Freedom Week, which runs until 15 November. Over 130 events at more than 80 locations are dedicated to the history and present of freedom – from art and culture to science, defence and politics.

Burkhard Kieker, Managing Director of visitBerlin, emphasised: ‘I am delighted that we have brought together so many well-known personalities – and just as many silent heroes – at Berlin's first Freedom Conference. Freedom does not come for free.’

Antje Schippmann, Managing Director of the Axel Springer Freedom Foundation: ‘With the Berlin Freedom Conference, we are creating a platform for leading voices from frontline democracies, dissidents from authoritarian states and decision-makers from politics, business and society. The situation is serious and the defence of freedom is an urgent task for all of us.’ 

Voices of Freedom

Prominent speakers at the Berlin Freedom Conference included Masih Alinejad (Iranian women's rights activist), Leopoldo López (Venezuelan opposition leader), Vladimir Kara-Murza (Russian opposition activist) and Paul Rusesabagina (human rights activist from Rwanda) – people who have suffered under authoritarian regimes and are fighting for freedom. Sebastien Lai from Hong Kong recalled his imprisoned father, Hong Kong newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai, who has been in solitary confinement for five years. Carine Kanimba (Secretary General of the World Liberty Congress), daughter of Rwandan human rights activist Paul Rusesabagina (‘Hotel Rwanda’), spoke about working for political prisoners whose fates stand for justice worldwide. ‘My father always said: you keep political prisoners alive by talking about them,’ Kanimba said.

Throughout the day, Garry Kasparov (world chess champion and Russian human rights activist), Nobel Peace Prize laureates Oleksandra Matviichuk and María Corina Machado, Audrey Tang (Taiwan's digital ambassador) and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ben Hodges (former commanding general of the US Army in Europe) spoke about the state of freedom around the world.

The World Liberty Congress, which met for the first time in Berlin's House of Representatives the previous weekend, was closely involved in the conference. Its newly elected president, Felix Maradiaga (opposition leader from Nicaragua), thanked Berlin for its hospitality: ‘Thank you for giving us the opportunity to live democracy in this city of freedom.’ The international alliance unites over 200 dissidents from 60 autocratically ruled countries. At the conclusion of the World Liberty Congress, participants adopted the ‘Berlin Manifesto,’ in which they commit themselves to non-violent resistance and the defence of human rights.

At the Berlin Freedom Conference, Taiwan's former president Tsai Ing-wen reminded attendees that Berlin Freedom Week commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall – an event that symbolises the victory of democracy over authoritarianism and continues to inspire people to this day. At the same time, she warned of growing threats from disinformation, cyberattacks and the manipulation of democratic processes. ‘Resilience,’ said Tsai, ‘is the key to the survival of free societies.’

Julia Klöckner, President of the German Bundestag, also emphasised: ‘Freedom is not a gift – it is a duty.’

Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises and Mayor of Berlin, spoke about the role of business and travel. She said that democracy begins at the local level and that cities are called upon to work together to combat autocratic tendencies. She emphasised: ‘Berlin has a responsibility.’

Together for democracy

The conference was sponsored by the LOTTO Foundation Berlin. Sponsoring partners were Airbnb and Berliner Sparkasse. Media partners: Die Zeit, Politico, radio3, Tagesspiegel, Wall GmbH and Welt.

Media service at about.visitberlin.de/en/media-service-berlin-freedom-week