Dear committed members of clubs, associations and initiatives,
Dear Councillors,
Dear Mr. Reinders, on behalf of many associations.
I am delighted to be able to welcome you to the traditional New Year's reception of the associations in the Coronation Hall for the first time since I took office two years ago.
I wish you and all of us a blessed, happy and above all healthy New Year. In the hope of peace in Europe and the whole world.
In Aachen, traditionally proven and solidly resilient engagement structures work hand in hand with new initiatives that promote transformation - which is why I am delighted that you are all my guests today.
Our tasks in the city are diverse and we have a lot planned for the coming years: Together with and for the people of our beautiful city, we want to make the city fit for the future, for our children and future generations. There is still a lot to be done in the areas of transport, energy supply, city center and education; Aachen wants to be climate-neutral by 2030. This is an ambitious goal, a real joint effort, and in the fall we want to conclude a city contract with the relevant stakeholders, the chambers, the universities, the business community and you, the associations and initiatives, and commit ourselves to doing everything we can to achieve our major goal together.
It's great that you are here today and represent the diversity of our engagement landscape here in the city's living room.
Shaping the city together with the urban community and its citizens. I set out with this goal and must say that during the crisis years, I have once again realized how important the Aachen associations and initiatives are for our city ... from traditional associations to the numerous new initiatives that have emerged.
20,000 people are involved in sustainability in 200 initiatives, groups and associations, they are active in environmental protection and nature conservation, culture or fair trade. The Aachen Peace Prize brings together the numerous groups in the field of peace work, such as Amnesty International, which have been active in Aachen for decades.
Present today are representatives from over 320 associations, initiatives, groups and organizations working for the common good. What they all have in common is that they are committed to and for Aachen. They bring people together, they create sporting, cultural and social added value, they are the glue that holds our city together. You get involved when it comes to taking a stand. The "Aachen sticks together" campaign was impressive proof of this.
The last two years have not been an easy time for our associations and initiatives. Corona has made social encounters difficult, and club life almost came to a standstill at times. But even during this time, many of you have worked hard to ensure that cohesion remains intact. That no one was lost. I am eternally grateful for that.
With the "Aachen blossoms" campaign, we have given people hours of sunshine in times of social distancing. Now the colorful bouquet of commitment can finally bloom again. Aachen is on the move was the motto this year, showcasing the vibrant sports club landscape. During the coronavirus pandemic in particular, sports clubs have had to take a back seat, with young people in particular lacking exercise. Now it's time to pick up speed again and promote transportation.
Next year, under the motto "Aachen sustainable", we invite you to show us the projects and formats in which we are jointly shaping the resilient and public welfare-oriented city of tomorrow. I am already very much looking forward to this. In line with this, the state funds from the "2000 x 1000" 2023 funding program will also be awarded for projects with the focus "Shaping the future - promoting sustainable engagement".
2023 will also be the year in which we would like to work with you to launch a modern engagement strategy for the city of Aachen. Last year, the Volunteering Office became the "Engaged and Cooperative City" team. Our vibrant volunteering landscape was awarded the Cooperative City prize. With Engagementdirekt, we have replaced the volunteering portal with a modern matching platform.
There is also a special focus on promoting young commitment. This year, the City of Aachen is awarding 12 of a total of 20 scholarships to young people who dedicate time during their training and studies to a commitment to the common good in a responsible position.
Our city thrives on the diverse commitment of people in a wide range of areas. They are committed to our city every day, a city of togetherness, respect and energy. These are virtues that you, as volunteers, have practiced for years and in some cases decades, and which are examples for the city of the future. I am passionate about this with you and look forward to the coming years and activities together.
Today, it is particularly important to me not to be the center of attention myself, but to shine the spotlight on those who devote countless hours to their clubs and initiatives. They are the ones who matter! They are invaluable to me as Lord Mayor, they are the heart of the community and the cohesion of our city.
I am very much looking forward to the new format of the panel discussion with our experts from the field and the subsequent exchange. It is with great thanks that I release the stage for those to whom it belongs.
Thank you for being here and thank you for your commitment!
Especially to the organization team and the wind ensemble of the conservatory.
28.02.2023