Shepard Stone Awardee Joachim Gauck
We are honored to announce that the Shepard Stone Award was presented at the Aspen Gala to former Federal President of Germany (2012 – 2017) Joachim Gauck!
Throughout Mr. Gauck’s life and work, he has shown great commitment to the liberal order, the values of an open society based on democracy, justice, respect, and freedom as well as transatlantic cooperation.
Before the fall of the Berlin Wall, the former pastor helped to lay the foundations for a free, open and united Germany. His opposition to the communist dictatorship of East Germany and the crucial role he played as Federal Commissioner for the Stasi Records are exemplary. During his term as Federal President, Mr. Gauck always advocated for close transatlantic cooperation. Moreover, his support for the Ukrainian people following the invasion in 2022 is the ultimate expression of his commitment to a rules-based international order.
We are grateful that Joachim Gauck has agreed to accept this award, which was presented at the Aspen Gala on September 26, 2024. In addition, the President of the Bundestag, Bärbel Bas, gave the laudatory speech to honor Mr. Gauck’s achievements.
