Berlin Freedom Week 2025: An Interview with Marco Oelschlegel

Held one week ago in November 2025, Berlin Freedom Week transformed the German capital into a global platform for pro-democracy leaders. The event brought together the city's historical legacy and the present-day challenges to freedom and human rights. In this interview, HQ’s Manuel Fernandes speaks with Marco Oelschlegel, CMP, Director of Conventions at visitBerlin – Berlin Convention Office, about the event’s vision, partnerships, and long-term ambitions.

Headquarters: Berlin hosted its first Freedom Week this November, spotlighting freedom and democracy through conferences, cultural events, and workshops. How did the concept evolve, and what led you to involve international partners?

Marco Oelschlegel: Last year, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Fall of the Wall, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, together with visitBerlin, hosted a festive dinner where several members of the World Liberty Council were invited, in partnership with the Axel Springer Freedom Foundation, which curated and hosted several dissident-focused formats as part of the official anniversary celebrations. We realised, in light of the geopolitical situation, that there is a need to establish a forum for forum. Therefore, we designed Berlin Freedom Week as a living bridge between Berlin’s historic legacy and today’s global struggle for freedom.

We joined forces with internationally recognised partners who embody democratic resistance and historical memory. Among the core partners are the World Liberty Congress, which unites over 200 pro-democracy leaders from more than 50 authoritarian regimes; the Axel Springer Freedom Foundation, active in supporting human rights defenders; the Berlin Commissioner for the Reappraisal of the former East German Dictatorship (Frank Ebert); and the Robert Havemann Society, custodian of the GDR Opposition Archive. This network ensures that Berlin Freedom Week is an international platform for democratic exchange, connecting dissidents, policymakers, scholars, artists, and Berliners alike. Together we invited other organisations, associations, and companies to contribute with their own events. So far, around 50 events are confirmed citywide. A key highlight was the Berlin Freedom Conference at EUREF Campus, where voices from politics, activism, academia, and culture gather to address today’s challenges and envision a just future.
 

"At the visitBerlin – Berlin Convention Office, we see ourselves as connectors within one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems."

HQ: The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 became a global symbol of democratic change. How does Berlin Freedom Week build on this legacy, and how does it reflect the values your Convention Bureau promotes in the events industry?

MO: Berlin Freedom Week builds on the city’s legacy as a symbol of peaceful revolution and openness. The spirit of 1989 still pulses through the city, and this initiative builds on that momentum by establishing Berlin as a bold voice in today’s global events landscape. Here, values-driven events find meaning and relevance. By placing freedom, human rights and participation at the heart of its identity, Berlin is setting new standards for the global events industry. For the visitBerlin – Berlin Convention Office, it is a clear commitment to hosting events that take a stand, not just take place.

HQ: Geopolitical instability is affecting association decisions on visas, travel, and insurance. How is Berlin responding to these challenges, and do they pose more of a risk or opportunity for destinations like yours?

MO: In times of global geopolitical uncertainty, Berlin’s status as a politically stable and open meeting destination is a clear advantage. Berlin as the City of Freedom offers accessibility, security and symbolic significance. These factors make the German capital an ideal setting for open dialogue and global cooperation.
 

HQ: Associations are responding to geopolitical instability in different ways. What support does Berlin offer to help foster collaboration, innovation, and policy dialogue in their conferences?

MO: At the visitBerlin – Berlin Convention Office, we see ourselves as connectors within one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems. Berlin offers association partners direct access to a dense network of universities, research institutions, startups, think tanks, and globally relevant innovation clusters like health, mobility, digital technologies, energy, and the creative industries. We connect organisers with event locations, congress hotels, and service providers, and help integrate political stakeholders – so that every meeting, congress or conference becomes a platform for meaningful ideas and forward-thinking concepts.
 

Berlin Freedom Week: Eight Days Celebrating the Power of Liberty
 

HQ: DEI is now a test of organisational values, with rising backlash forcing associations to rethink language, venues, and positioning. Where does your city stand, and what message does it offer associations navigating a divided landscape?

MO: We believe that DEI is not an optional extra; it is core to the identity of modern business meetings. In a time of rising anti-DEI sentiment, Berlin stands firm, offering a truly inclusive environment. Through the Berlin Impact Programme by visitBerlin, we support event planners in creating meaningful social value – whether through alignment with the UN SDGs, partnerships with local NGOs, or hands-on community engagement. Impacts can range from social days to long-term projects like school programmes or research collaborations. We offer consultation, matchmaking, and support to ensure every event creates a lasting, measurable legacy.
 

HQ: Europe’s digital agenda is entering a decisive phase, with new rules on AI, data, and platform liability. How is Berlin adapting, especially in cybersecurity and data protection? And how do you support associations in safeguarding member and speaker identities, particularly across borders or in sensitive regions?

MO: Berlin is actively committed to digital transformation in Europe, with a strong focus on cybersecurity, data protection and digital accessibility. We consider digital rights to be part of our democratic responsibility. Berlin offers a wide range of modern venues that have integrated comprehensive physical and digital security protocols – including secure networks, access systems, trained security personnel on site and close cooperation with local authorities. These venues are ideal for high-profile business events with sensitive participants from politics, diplomacy and civil society.
 

"By placing freedom, human rights and participation at the heart of its identity, Berlin is setting new standards for the global events industry."

HQ: While today’s geopolitical instability brings new challenges, many are drawing lessons from past crises like COVID-19, Brexit, and the financial downturn. What has Berlin learned from these moments, and where are you focusing your resilience efforts now?

MO: Berlin has learned that resilience in the events industry means more than logistics, it is about adaptability, partnership, and purpose. From the pandemic to Brexit, the city has turned crises into progress by expanding hybrid infrastructure, diversifying venues with the Berlin Meeting Campus, and boosting collaboration across sectors. Initiatives like the Berlin Impact Programme and the Congress Fund for Sustainable Meetings support the lasting event value. In uncertain times, Berlin offers a stable, reliable framework for impactful events.
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.