25th Jena Prize for Civil Courage

Civil courage is required always and everywhere. Anyone can find themselves in a situation where they have to show courage. Which person(s), which situation comes to mind?

The staff of KoKont (coordination office of the Jena City Program and contact office of the Round Table for Democracy) are accepting suggestions for the 25th Jena Prize for Civil Courage until 3 July 2026.

Since 2002, this prize has been awarded annually in Jena to people who have shown civil courage through their selfless actions. What courageous actions have inspired discussion among friends and family or made you think? Send your suggestions with a short explanation by e-mail (buero@kokont-jena.de), by post (Max-Steenbeck-Str. 46, 07745 Jena) or via the website (kokont-jena.de) to the KoKont team.

Civil courage as the basis of a human rights-oriented and open society is solidarity in action. It is by no means a matter of course to intervene when people are in distress or even threatened, marginalized, discriminated against or mistreated. It takes empathy and, above all, courage to stand up, speak out, get involved, raise public awareness and organize help. Possible negative consequences and reactions are subordinated to the desire to help.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Jena Prize for Civil Courage, a special prize will also be awarded this year for continuous commitment to democratic and non-violent coexistence in Jena. Proposals for the special prize can also be submitted via the channels listed above. The special prize is also a reaction to the observations of recent years. Time and again, people, initiatives or associations that are committed to democratic culture in Jena have been nominated. This commitment is to be explicitly honored this year.

Every year, not only the people of the city are called upon to think about the topic and submit suggestions. The local economy also takes a stand. Every year, a company from the region sponsors the award.

This year, jenawohnen is donating both prizes of 1,000 euros each. Tobias Wolfrum, Managing Director of jenawohnen GmbH, comments as follows: "Civil courage often manifests itself in the immediate living environment - in the home and in the neighborhood. As a municipal housing company, we see every day how important respectful cooperation and mutual attention are for stable and liveable neighborhoods. People who look out, take responsibility and stand up for others make an important contribution to social cohesion in our city. Making this commitment visible and acknowledging it is very important to us."

Together, Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche, KoKont and jenawohnen are calling on all Jena residents to submit suggestions for individuals or groups who should be recognized for their actions.

Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche says: "Civil courage often begins in small ways - with attention, empathy and the decision to take responsibility for others. Those who look, show attitude and act at the decisive moment not only strengthen individuals, but also trust in our community as a whole. With the Civil Courage Award, we are honoring this commitment, which makes our social cohesion visible and sets an example for others. The fact that we are once again able to present this award together with KoKont and the founders underlines how important an attentive and vigilant urban society is to all of us."

This year, the prize will once again be awarded together with the Charlotte Figulla Prize for pupils and young people. The award ceremony will take place on September 25, 2026 in Jena City Hall.

Freuen sich über Vorschläge für den 25. Jenaer Preis für Zivilcourage (v.l.): Hannah Schwendel, Olaf Skujat (beide von KoKont), Gunnar Poschmann (jenawohnen) und Oberbürgermeister Dr. Thomas Nitzsche

© Stadt Jena