Award will serve as an inspiration to lead local and regional leaders in their work
Local and regional leaders from across Europe today joined the Ceremony Award of the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award for courage and excellence in the promotion of freedom, solidarity and equality. The first edition was awarded to Henriette Reker, Mayor of Cologne.
Vera Jourova, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Values and Transparency congratulated Henriette Reker, Mayor of Cologne for winning the award saying that this recognizes her work in promoting tolerance, whilst fighting hate speech and xenophobia. She added "May this prize be an inspiration to lead us in our common work for the years to come."
Henriette Rekker, Mayor of Cologne said that we need to have courage to stand up to our values, to confront exclusion and hate and to seek dialogue. She added that Adamowicz had this courage. She expressed regret that we still live in a world where those standing up for tolerance can face deadly consequences. "There was a time when being different could mean losing your life but we are still living in a time when intolerance persists. Violence never was and never will be a solution. This award is our response to violence. We will not hate; we will not be intimidated. We will be more ambitious to ensure diversity and peace. I am convinced that we are taking forward Adamowicz's legacy to safeguard peace in Europe. Local and regional authorise have a key role to play in this regard."
Magdalena Adamowicz, Member of European Parliament and wife of deceased Paweł Adamowicz joined the ceremony. She referred to the words of Paweł Adamowicz “Diversity is wealth, not a problem! Only the encounter with a different culture, with others, makes us richer” and said "Let's look at the history of these cities, regions and countries that have achieved success. Their common feature is respect for diversity, openness and tolerance, respect for every human being, because they drive the economy, culture, science and culinary wealth. Gdańsk undoubtedly belongs to such cities. If we do not want to lose democracy, we cannot forfeit democratic values. We must fight for them and restore their true meaning."
Olgierd Geblewicz, President EPP-CoR Group and President of West Pomerania Region said "Pawel's courage and determination to fight intolerance, radicalisation, and hate-speech as well as his perseverance and dedication to promote democracy, solidarity, freedom, equal opportunities, and fundamental rights is an example for all of us to follow." Congratulating Reker, Geblewicz said "Today's Award recognises your dedication to those that are the most vulnerable and in need, and your determination to create an open, inclusive and peaceful society. I'm sure your work will inspire local and regional leaders across the EU."
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk and International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN) Representative spoke on the value of tolerance that Paweł Adamowicz embraced. She said that Adamowicz believed in the force of education and in educating society at large as knowledge can change us to the better. In her concluding remarks, Dulkiewicz appealed to translate the emotions of Adamowicz's death into good deeds that will make a difference in our daily lives. She lauded Henriette Reker, for her courage in opposing intolerance, hatred, and xenophobia.
Mark Speich, Chair of the CoR CIVEX Commission and President of the Jury of the award said “The Paweł Adamowicz Award recognizes exceptional commitment to promoting tolerance and integration and combating hate speech and xenophobia. The award is intended to encourage all those who fight for these values and stand up for equal opportunities and human rights. My sincere congratulations to the Mayor of Cologne Henriette Reker on receiving this honourable award. I am very pleased that the first award goes to my home region of North Rhine-Westphalia.”
Jelena Drenjanin, EPP 1st Vice-President said that this award marks the importance of each individual's commitment to defend democracy, fight intolerance, radicalisation and hate-speech. One person can make a difference in our world and in history by standing up and fighting for democracy, tolerance, solidarity and inclusion. Adamowicz was that person that we want to honour and we are happy that the first edition of the Award went to such a courageous and dedicated Mayor as Reker.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEDqla8guv0