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New President of the Peace Prize: Peter Theiler on peace and freedom
Peter Theiler will be the new president of the Dresden Peace Prize Board of Trustees, which promotes commitment to human rights and peace.
New President of the Peace Prize: Peter Theiler on peace and freedom
A new wind is blowing in the board of trustees of the Dresden Peace Prize: Peter Theiler, the former director of the Semperoper, has been appointed new president. This decision was announced on Thursday by the management of the Dresden Peace Prize Initiative. Theiler expressed pride that he could take on this responsible task: “It is a great honor and at the same time a challenge to stand up for peace, human rights and freedom,” were his first words after the election. His predecessor was the late Gerhart Baum, who lived his last days in February 2025. The Board of Trustees is now looking for new ways and initiatives to address the important issues of the time.
At the same time, Martin Duhlig was added to the board of trustees as an additional member and supports Theiler in his new role. Ursula Staudinger, the rector of the Technical University of Dresden, remains in the vice-president position. This continuity is important in order to continue the existing strategy and at the same time provide fresh impetus.
The Board of Trustees at a glance
- Christina Ludwig, Leiterin des Dresdner Stadtmuseums
- Carena Schlewitt, Intendantin des Europäischen Zentrums der Künste Hellerau
- Frauke Roth, Intendantin der Dresdner Philharmonie
- Christian Behr, Superintendent
- Professor Dr. Hans Vorländer, Politikwissenschaftler
- Professor Dr. Martin Jehne, Historiker
- Oberstleutnant Dr. Dr. Rudolf J. Schlaffer, Direktor des Militärhistorischen Museums der Bundeswehr
- Olaf Kische, Journalist
- Peter Theiler, neuer Präsident
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 honoring commitment to peace and human rights. The next award ceremony 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 commitment in Saxony.
The Peace Prize itself has honored numerous important personalities over the years. The posthumous award to Alexei Navalny in 2024 and the honor from the European Court of Human Rights this year are just a few examples of how the jury shines the light of hope on various topics and focuses on what matters.
Peter Theiler brings an impressive career to the new role: Born in Basel in 1956, he has set standards not only as a director and director, but also as Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Nuremberg. His successes to date, the multiple awards for his cultural contributions by France and the management of the Semperoper between 2015 and 2023 testify to his passion and commitment.
As Theiler further emphasizes, the board of trustees wants to strengthen Dresden's place as a center of peace and human rights. It remains to be seen what new ideas and initiatives will be implemented under his leadership and how the Peace Prize will continue to be shaped in the coming year.