City of Aachen / Andreas Herrmann
Members of the city's Integration Council and the administration together with Mayor Hilde Scheidt (3rd from left, bottom row) and Rolf Frankenberger, Head of the Department of Housing, Social Affairs and Integration (1st from left, top row), promote the City of Aachen's Diversity Award 2025.
The city of Aachen and the municipal integration council awarded the Aachen Diversity Prize for the 13th time on August 30, 2025. The prize reflects the city's commitment to a more inclusive view of integration and diversity, aims to break down stereotypes and promote a positive approach to the topics of migration, immigration and diversity.
The Diversity Award creates a space that focuses on the uniqueness of each individual - regardless of origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or physical abilities - and makes it clear that a society is made up of different identities and perspectives that are equally valuable.
Many individuals, organizations, institutions, companies and, last but not least, associations are committed to ensuring that new immigrants arrive safely and that all people can live together peacefully in all areas of life. The awarding of the prize highlights the exceptional commitment and outstanding achievements of potential prize winners. The prize is intended to contribute to a sustainable anchoring and awareness-raising of the topic of "diversity" within Aachen. This year, the prize will be awarded as part of the "Long Table of Diversity" at the Katschhof.
All natural and legal persons, associations, institutions, the Integration Council and the administration are eligible to nominate candidates. Both third-party and own measures can be proposed. A formal application is not required. The Diversity Award is intended as a form of recognition and takes the form of a high-profile presentation of the award winners' achievements. If necessary, the activity to be honored can be supported on a project-related and limited basis in individual cases.
In 2024, the former "Integration Award" was renamed the "Diversity Award".
Proposals and applications can be sent to the address "City of Aachen, Department of Housing, Social Affairs and Integration, Office of the Integration Council, 52058 Aachen".
For further information, please refer to the current call for proposals, the guidelines and the form for submitting proposals.
The 2025 award winners
Honorary Award Working Group Dialogue of Religions in Aachen
The 'Dialogue of Religions' working group has been committed to a peaceful, respectful and diverse coexistence of religious communities in Aachen for 20 years.
Since its foundation in 2005, the working group has been connecting different religious communities, promoting exchange and building bridges of understanding. Projects such as the interfaith calendar and the Peace Meal of Religions have become an integral part of Aachen's city life.
Through its many years of commitment, the working group strengthens social cohesion and is therefore a deserving winner of the award.
Award-winning Babak Ghassim
"Mr. Gahssim is tirelessly committed to a society in which origin, religious background, gender or sexual orientation play no role - in which every person is treated with respect and appreciation.
He exemplifies diversity and fights for an open, tolerant community."Special achievements
"As co-founder of the artistic collective 'Rebell Comedy', Mr. Gahssim uses creative and humorous ways to break down social taboos and bring people together. His commitment makes a significant contribution to breaking down prejudices and promoting understanding."Award winners Stefan Kirschbaum, Stephan Manz and Gönül Fazlaoglu
Mr. Stephan Kirschbaum and Mr. Christian Manz as well as Ms. Gönül Fazlaoglu from the Aachen support office Kirschbaum und Manz, ABB for short.
The ABB is an outpatient service that supports people with mental or intellectual disabilities and addictions. It was founded in 2004 by Mr. Kirschbaum and Mr. Manz, who put their heart and soul into closing the care gap for people with special needs in Aachen and the surrounding area.
Her commitment to non-German-speaking people, especially Turkish-speaking clients, is particularly noteworthy. This "Turkey project" began in 2009 with the appointment of Ms. Gönül Fazlaoglu, who continues to drive this important work forward with great passion and commitment to this day.
Under the leadership of the two founders and with great commitment from Ms. Fazlaoglu, the ABB has developed into a lively, colourful place of diversity - a real role model for successful integration and intercultural work."
Award-winning Talentschmiede e.V. Aachen
"Since the 2024/25 school year, the school has been running the weekly working group 'With honor and respect towards the future'.
This working group is run by volunteers from the Talentschmiede e. V. association, which has set itself the goal of supporting young people and young adults on their way to a self-reliant life."
Impact and importance of the working group
"Through this working group, the association creates a special space for listening and gives our pupils the feeling of being heard and taken seriously.
Here they can express themselves freely, share worries and fears and receive support on their individual path, even beyond their school days."Social contribution
"Young people from different countries of origin, religions and social classes come together in a respectful atmosphere.
Prejudices are broken down and a sense of community is strengthened. By getting to know and appreciate each other, integration in practice becomes visible here."
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