Goethe medal 2025 awarded to David Van Reybrouck

From the press release:

Gesche Joost, president of the Goethe-Institut, stressed on the occasion of the announcement of this year's Goethe Medal winners: "Tectonic shifts are shaping our global political framework today. Democracy is coming under pressure, certainties are being shaken and this affects the cultural policy of the Goethe-Institut. This makes it all the more important to seek dialogue worldwide and to shape together how we want and can live together. Art, culture and language play a central role here.

Especially now, we need cultural understanding and people who make a difference. In our global network of Goethe Institutes, we meet such people, who with courage, creativity and a keen eye dedicate themselves to culture and language in exchange with Germany: since her studies in Berlin, Li Yuan has been committed to the professionalisation of German as a foreign language - as a professor, she inspires numerous future teachers and academics in China.

With initiatives such as the G1000, David Van Reybrouck fundamentally rethinks democracy - not as mere representation, but as a living, participatory practice. With his independent research, he lays the foundation for a deep understanding of social dynamics and political participation.

Osman Kavala is a tireless purveyor of ideas and initiator who continues to create cultural spaces with great dedication and sustainably strengthens the networks of civil society organisations in the region through his work. With their bold approach and projects, the award winners are having an impact far beyond Turkey, China and Belgium. I am delighted that this year we are honouring the outstanding efforts of these three very different individuals with the Goethe Medal."

From the jury report:

"David Van Reybrouck advocates a renewal of democratic processes with his controversial pleas for alternative electoral procedures and the creation of citizens' councils. His research-rich books on South Africa, Congo and Indonesia reveal perspectives often ignored by Western-dominated historiography. The interdisciplinary approach of his books and their focus on marginalised voices and the ‘invisible actors’ of history combine a clear literary style with an emotional approach. That is why they are among the most important contributions to contemporary political discourse."