This year's Reinhard Mohn Prize on the topic of "Living Diversity - Shaping Society" goes to former German President Joachim Gauck. In awarding him this prize, the Bertelsmann Stiftung recognizes Gauck as a bridge builder in a culturally diverse society. During his time in office, he focused on the successful coexistence of people from varying ethnic backgrounds and religions in Germany. In word and deed, he continually advocated for a new sense of unity that includes all people in Germany, regardless of their cultural identity. Gauck will receive the €200,000 award on June 7th in Gütersloh.
To live together successfully in diversity, we need people who shoulder responsibility and take an active stand for tolerance and understanding. The foundation chose to honor Joachim Gauck as one such person. Gauck forged links among various societal groups and encouraged people to meet and engage in dialogue. Liz Mohn, vice-chairwoman of the Bertelsmann Stiftung Executive Board, highlighted this, saying, "In turbulent political times, he has strengthened Germany's identity as a land of immigration and championed social cohesion."