New President of the Peace Prize: Peter Theiler on Peace and Freedom

New President of the Peace Prize: Peter Theiler on Peace and Freedom

Dresden, Deutschland - A new wind blows in the Board of Curatorium of the Dresden Peace Prize: Peter Theiler, the former director of the Semperoper, has been appointed the new president. This decision was announced on Thursday by the management of the Dresden Initiative. Parters proudly expressed that he can take on this responsible task: "It is a great honor and a challenge to stand up for peace, human rights and freedom," said his first words after the election. His predecessor was the late Gerhart Baum, who spent his last days in February 2025. The board of trustees is now looking for new ways and initiatives to address the important topics of the time.

Martin Duhlig was also included in the board of trustees as an additional member and supports part in his new role. Ursula Staudinger, the rector of the Technical University of Dresden, remains in the Vice Presidential position. This continuity is important to continue the existing strategy and at the same time set fresh impulses.

the board of trustees at a glance

• Christina Ludwig, head of the Dresden City Museum
• Carena Schlewitt, director of the European Center of the Arts Hellerau
• Frauke Roth, director of the Dresden Philharmonie
• Christian Behr, Superintendent
• Professor Dr. Hans Vorländer, political scientist
• Professor Dr. Martin Jehne, historian
• Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Dr. Rudolf J. Schlachfer, director of the Military History Museum of the Bundeswehr
• Olaf Kische, journalist
• Peter Theiler, new president

on the history of the Peace Prize

The Dresden Peace Prize was launched in 2009 and has since developed an excellent reputation in the area of ​​appreciation of commitment to peace and human rights. The next award will take place on April 12, 2026 in the venerable Semperoper. This institution is not only a place for impressive performances, but also a symbol of the long history of cultural and social engagement in Saxony.

The Peace Prize itself has awarded numerous important personalities over the years. The posthumous price to Alexei Nawalny in 2024 and the honor of the European Court of Human Rights this year are just a few examples of how the jury lights up the light of hope on various topics and focuses on the essentials.

Peter Theiler brings an impressive career into the new role: born in Basel in 1956, he set standards not only as a director and director, but also as a fee consul in Nuremberg. His previous successes, the multiple award of his cultural contributions by France and the management of the Semperoper between 2015 and 2023 testify to his passion and commitment.

As partly emphasized, the board of trustees would like to strengthen the Square of Dresden as the center of peace and human rights. It remains to be seen which new ideas and initiatives under his leadership will be realized and how the peace price will be further shaped in the coming year.