Today, the Chemnitz Peace Prize was awarded for the 23rd time in the City Council Chamber of Chemnitz City Hall. The civil society prize is awarded annually on the occasion of the Chemnitz Peace Day, the anniversary of the bombing of Chemnitz on 5 March 1945, by the citizens' association FUER CHEMNITZ e. V. and the City of Chemnitz Migration Commissioner, Etelka Kobuß. The diverse jury honours individuals, organisations, projects and initiatives from Chemnitz that stand up for fundamental values such as tolerance, equal rights and democracy and promote peace across generations.
The 2026 award winners
The following award winners were selected from numerous proposed projects, individuals and initiatives following project visits and personal discussions with the nominees:
1st prize
The Iranian Home association was awarded the first prize of the Chemnitz Peace Prize 2026 for its voluntary commitment to peaceful coexistence characterised by mutual respect in the city of Chemnitz and for its tireless efforts to support democratic development and the freedom of people in Iran. This comes with prize money of 500 euros and the Peace Prize sculpture by sculptor Erik Neukirchner.
The members of the association, which was only founded in 2024, see themselves as part of the city's society and are committed to the common good for all people, regardless of their origin. They are ambassadors of Persian culture, but also of the people in Iran who risk their lives for freedom.
The words of honour for the 1st prize were formulated by Thiemo Kirmse.
2nd prize
The commitment to an inclusive and participatory society of the project "Anders denken" ("Think differently") by the ASB Ortsverband Chemnitz und Umgebung e. V. was honoured with the 2nd prize of the Chemnitz Peace Prize 2026 and the corresponding sum of 300 euros.
The participants in the project "Thinking differently - citizen participation for political decision-making and decision-making processes of people with disabilities" are committed to the participation of everyone. People who have to overcome barriers to participation due to physical or other limitations should be given a better opportunity to participate so that they can say: "We belong!".
The laudatory speech for the 2nd prize was given by André Löscher.
3rd prize
Annelore Krauß, the oldest volunteer of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 at the age of 93, won over the jury of the Chemnitz Peace Prize with her favourite project. Her lovingly and creatively designed hearts were given to people in hospitals, care homes, residential groups and hospices to bring a smile to their faces and make them part of the European Capital of Culture movement. For this great sign of solidarity, empathy and sustainability, she was honoured with the 3rd prize of the Chemnitz Peace Prize 2026, endowed with a sum of 200 euros.
Annett Goerlitz and Sabine Kühnrich gave the laudatory speech for the 3rd prize.
Children and youth prize
The Chemnitz Youth Forum was honoured with the Children and Youth Prize. This initiative by and for Chemnitz's young people has been working creatively and purposefully since 2015 to make life in the city more attractive for young people and give them the opportunity to become self-effective. Through its activities, the Youth Forum actively, creatively and confidently shapes the city under the motto "More youth. More voice. More future".
Dr Melanie Hartwig and Dina Norberger gave the laudatory speech for the Children and Youth Award.
All of the laudators are members of the Chemnitz Peace Prize jury.
An honorary prize of the Chemnitz Peace Prize was not awarded this year.
The award ceremony
Lord Mayor Sven Schulze opened the festive award ceremony with a greeting from the City of Chemnitz. Richard Jung (accordion) and Nancy Kühnel (flute) - both young talents from the Chemnitz Municipal Music School - performed the musical part of the ceremony.
The following contact persons are available to answer any questions:
Sabine Kühnrich
Bürgerverein FUER CHEMNITZ e. V. and member of the jury
Phone: 0177 2231335
E-mail: sabine.kuehnrich(at)gmx.de
Etelka Kobuß
Migration Officer of the City of Chemnitz and member of the jury
Phone: 0371 488-5047
E-mail: migrationsbeauftragte(at)stadt-chemnitz.de