With his citizens’ festival, the Federal President is paying tribute to voluntary work in Germany and at the same time encouraging voluntary engagement in civil society. Moreover, this year there was a special focus on our neighbouring continent Africa.

On Friday, 13 September, the guests were people from all over Germany who, through their voluntary work, have made an outstanding contribution to the community.

On Saturday, 14 September, the open day at Schloss Bellevue took place, when the Federal President welcomed all those interested in visiting his official residence.

Pamoja – Stronger Together

On both days, visitors could find out more about Germany’s wide range of voluntary engagement. Around 50 partners of the citizens’ festival, ranging from small clubs and initiatives to large organisations and enterprises, presented the contribution they make to society.

The partner region of this year’s citizens’ festival was Lower Saxony. For the first time, the international partner country was a non-European country: the Republic of Kenya, whose President, William Ruto, attended the festival. This year’s motto was therefore based on a Swahili word: “Pamoja – Stronger Together”. With this motto in mind, charitable organisations, initiatives and businesses showcased the broad societal engagement in Germany in all its facets.

A varied programme was spread throughout the entire grounds. And of course visitors also hade the opportunity to visit the Federal President’s official residence in Berlin, Schloss Bellevue

Thank you!

We want to thank our many partners, our partner regions, as well as our numerous volunteer helpers, artists and presenters. Their contributions and commitment helped make the citizens’ festival a great success.

A special word of thanks also goes to the companies and foundations that provided financial support for the citizens’ festival, as well as to the numerous companies and caterers that made available food and drinks.