Bonn/Gütersloh, September 7, 2026. For two days, the park at Villa Hammerschmidt became a meeting place for people committed to their communities and to making a difference. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender hosted their Citizens’ Festival in Bonn for the first time on September 4 and 5. The Liz Mohn Stiftung and Bertelsmann Stiftung were also there, with a joint stand featuring a variety of discussions and interactive activities.
The aim was to encourage conversation and an exchange of perspectives. Under the heading “Strengthening Democracy!” Bertelsmann Stiftung explored issues ranging from democracy and social cohesion to education and the younger generation, sustainable communities, the social market economy, and the future of Europe.
The Liz Mohn Stiftung placed particular emphasis on young people and on leadership in the age of artificial intelligence. Visitors were invited to share their own views: What concerns young people today? What motivates people to get involved in their communities? And what skills do leaders need as AI increasingly changes the way we work and make decisions?
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender also visited the stand and learned more about the Liz Mohn Stiftung’s focus on “Artificial Intelligence in Leadership.” For the Federal President, AI offers the prospect of new ways to learn, while Elke Büdenbender sees an opportunity to use AI to strengthen inclusion. Visitors’ responses also revealed both high hopes and considerable concern about AI: Many see potential benefits in easing workloads, education, and participation, but worry about loss of control, manipulation, social inequality, and a loss of human connection.
Andreas Pinkwart, Chair of the Liz Mohn Stiftung Board of Trustees, spoke with visitors to the Citizens’ Festival about the future of democracy and how AI can support volunteers and help bring people together.
In another interactive activity, visitors were invited to vote on the values they consider most important to democracy. The results sent a clear message: Respect was the clear top choice among participants. Many visitors also cited freedom and justice as key values for a democratic society.
Civic engagement in all its diversity
The Citizens’ Festival showcased the many ways people across Germany are working for others and the common good. Around 2,000 volunteers from across Germany were invited to attend the first day of the festival. On the second day, Villa Hammerschmidt and the neighboring Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development opened their doors to the public. More than 30 organizations, initiatives, and companies presented their work. The festival also featured a wide-ranging program of discussions, music, cultural events, and interactive activities. Japan was the festival’s international partner country; the City of Bonn also served as a partner. Due to renovation work at Bellevue Palace, the festival, held since 2012, took place for the first time at the Federal President’s official residence in Bonn. For the Liz Mohn Stiftung and Bertelsmann Stiftung, the two days were an opportunity to discuss their work directly with citizens – and to take away new perspectives and ideas from the many conversations.
