On 19 June 2024, the West-Eastern Encounters Foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary in Berlin, with more than 140 guests in attendance. elena Hoffmann, Chairwoman of the Board of the West-Eastern Encounters Foundation, gave the welcome address, which was followed by welcome words from Robin Wagener MP, Coordinator for Inter-Societal Cooperation with the Southern Caucasus, the Republic of Moldova and Central Asia; H.E. Nurlan Onzhanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Germany; and Matthias Platzeck, former Prime Minister.
During the event, long-standing supporters of the foundation also shared their experiences. Cyrill Pech, a retired pastor, and Peter Franke, the chairman of the Federal Association of German West-East Societies (BDWO), who have supported and influenced the foundation for many years, shared their personal stories and memories. Cyrill Pech, Pfarrer i.R. und Peter Franke, Vorsitzender des Bundesverbandes Deutscher West-Ost-Gesellschaften (BDWO), die die Stiftung über viele Jahre begleitet und geprägt haben, teilten ihre persönlichen Geschichten und Erinnerungen.
Im Anschluss hatten die Gäste die Gelegenheit zwei unterschiedliche Projektinitiativen kennenzulernen, die in den letzten Jahren u.a. durch die Unterstützung der Stiftung realisiert werden konnten. Afterwards, the guests had the opportunity to learn about two project initiatives that have been realised in recent years, partly thanks to the foundation’s support. Claudia Ramünke and Annika Dechow, teachers at the Theodor Heuss School in Pinneberg, reported on their long-standing school partnership with Ukraine, providing insights into current challenges and progress.
Louise Amelie, Darja Nesterowa and Andreas Bauer, the founders of the association ArtCity e.V., gave a fascinating insight into their project work in Ukraine. The founders of ArtCity e.V., Louise Amelie, Darja Nesterowa and Andreas Bauer, provided a fascinating insight into their projects in Berlin and Kyrgyzstan. These initiatives aim to foster closer ties between people in Germany and Kyrgyzstan through cultural and artistic activities. The focus is on dialogue and exchange to promote better mutual understanding and a deeper connection between the two cultures. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf Dialog und Austausch, um ein besseres gegenseitiges Verständnis und eine tiefere Verbindung zwischen den Kulturen zu fördern.
Another highlight of the evening was the appearance of the renowned author Wladimir Kaminer. With his unmistakable humour and precise observations, he told stories that made the audience both laugh and think. He shed light on the challenges and benefits of intercultural exchange, sharing his insights on the relationship between East and West. Durch seinen unverwechselbaren Humor und präzise Beobachtungen erzählte Wladimir Kaminer Geschichten, die die Zuhörer zum Lachen und Nachdenken brachten. Er beleuchtete die Herausforderungen und Bereicherungen des interkulturellen Austauschs und teilte seine Perspektiven auf die Beziehungen zwischen Ost und West.
The discussions were moderated by Irina Peter, a freelance journalist, author and podcaster (Steppenkinder).
Mira Tulenova, a Kazakh flautist, provided musical accompaniment for the evening, creating a special atmosphere in the hall with her renditions of ‘Korugly’ by Dauletkerey and ‘Karakemer’ by Kuat Shildebayev.
The celebration concluded with an opportunity for guests to socialise and celebrate the foundation’s 30th anniversary.
The foundation would like to thank all the guests, sponsors and partners who joined us in celebrating this special day. We look forward to more interesting encounters and successful projects in the future. Wir freuen uns auf weitere interessante Begegnungen und erfolgreiche Projekte.
