After receiving the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade at the Frankfurt Book Fair, German author and philosopher Carolin Emcke has urged the world’s officials and decision makers to put an end to worldwide violence, intolerance, hatred and genocide. In a keynote address, delivered in the presence of Joachim Gauck, President of Germany, she said; “The current environment in Europe is full of intolerance and violence. This not only harms its victims, but also engulfs those who wish to live in a peaceful, democratic society.” The award ceremony was attended by leading political, cultural and diplomatic persons, and headed by the German president.
A PhD in Philosophy, Carolin Emcke is a resident of Berlin. The German Publishers and Booksellers Association chose her to be this year’s laureate in recognition of her valuable contributions to social dialogue and peace, in addition to her brave writings against discrimination, intolerance and hatred. The Peace Prize of the German Book Trade was established in 1950. Valued at € 25,000 today, it is one of most prestigious awards in Germany and the rest of the world.
