7 - 14 November 2026

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:

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 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."

Kai Wegner
Kai Wegner
Governing Mayor of Berlin & Patron of Berlin Freedom Week and Conference

"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."
 

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

“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.”

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 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
CEO, Digital Citizen Fund

“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."

 

Ulrike Poppe
Ulrike Poppe
Civil rights activist and former opposition member of the GDR
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Berliner Mauer

Freedom needs partners

Would you like to be part of Berlin Freedom Week by organizing your own event? Then submit your event idea now!

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Berlin Freedom Conference 2025
Dirk Mathesius

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.

Program preview 2026

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Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung – Bundesstiftung Berlin
Vor Ort
Exhibition
An exhibition about courageous women activists from Afghanistan: for more than 20 years, they fought for women's rights. When the Taliban seized power in 2021, they had to flee. From Germany, they continue their fight.
– –
MACHmit! Museum für Kinder
Vor Ort
Exhibition
Creative workshop "Freedom for All" with works by artist Nadia Budde. In German.
– –
Berlin on Bike in der Kulturbrauerei
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Bike along the Berlin Wall: Experience emotionally moving escape stories, original Wall remains, and fascinating sites between Prenzlauer Berg and the government district – We bring history to life.
– –
Tränenpalast
Vor Ort
Theater
BEYOND LINES is a dance performance by LUNA PARK - in cooperation with the Tränenpalast, one of Berlin's most significant memorial sites. The performance explores the crossing of borders.
Deutsches Spionagemuseum
Vor Ort
Discussion
The BND is being granted expanded operational powers to counter hybrid threats. The law raises the question of how much intelligence capability a robust democracy needs without undermining its own values.
Humboldt Forum
Vor Ort
Discussion
Did we miss an opportunity for democratic renewal in 1989–90? How can we draw on the legacy of the Peaceful Revolution to address today’s threats to democracy and freedom? Together with experts, we want to discuss these questions.
Flughafen Tempelhof
Vor Ort
Reading
Irene Bindel reads from her book *Wassermilch und Spitzenwein*. In her book, she recounts her childhood as the daughter of a Jewish father, her experiences of persecution, and her new beginning in Berlin after 1945.
Institute for Leadership Development
Vor Ort
Workshop
This workshop aims to support a selected group of political activists for free who fight for freedom and democracy and help them evaluate and improve their negotiation competencies.

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