World Economic Prize in Kiel: Courageous winners for a new era!

World Economic Prize in Kiel: Courageous winners for a new era!

On June 23, 2025, the renowned “World Economic Prize” was awarded for the twentieth time in the Kiel State House. This prestigious award, which has been honored during Kiel Week for two decades, recognizes outstanding achievements in the fields of politics, business and economics. The event, organized by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in collaboration with the state capital of Kiel and the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Industry and Commerce, attracted around 150 guests, including important personalities from the region and business.

Under the motto “Courage for Change”, well-known actors who have provided important impetus in their respective areas were honored. In the Politics category, Gabrielius Landsbergis, the former Foreign Minister of Lithuania, received the honor. He was recognized for his tireless commitment to protecting Ukraine and his contribution to NATO. According to ndr.de, Landsbergis made Lithuania a decisive voice in NATO and advocated for a proactive policy against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Category award winners

Hélène Huby also received an award in the economics category. The founder of an innovative space start-up in Munich brings a breath of fresh air to the industry and shows that creative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit are very popular. Professor Monika Schnitzer received the prize in the economics category. She is a member of the Expert Council for the Assessment of Overall Economic Development and works at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich. Schnitzer is known for her expertise and her ability to explain complex economic relationships in an understandable way.

Claus Ruhe Madsen, the Economics Minister of Schleswig-Holstein, and Khud Hansen, Vice President of the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Industry and Commerce, were among those present and emphasized the importance of the prize for the region in their speeches. Dr. Ulf Kampf, the mayor of Kiel, and Prof. Moritz Schularick, president of the IfW Kiel, highlighted the need for innovation and change in today's world. The event is not only a recognition of the award winners, but also a call to society to actively address the challenges of the future.

A look at the history of the award

The “Global Economic Prize” has a long tradition that also includes prominent prize winners such as former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt. Its aim is to honor innovative thinkers and doers in the areas of politics, business and science and to present their outstanding achievements to a broad public. This initiative ensures that important issues of global economic development and the associated challenges are in the spotlight.

The awarding of the 2025 Prize makes it clear that the courage to change is urgently needed not only in the economy, but also in international politics. The award winners are outstanding examples of how visionary approaches and committed action can bring about positive change. Kiel Week remains not only a celebration of maritime culture, but also a melting pot for inspiring thoughts and groundbreaking developments.

For further information and details about the award ceremony, visit ifw-kiel.de and kieler-woche.de.