Energy transition
Impact Showcase at the Federal President’s Citizens’ Festival
At this year’s citizens’ festival in the park at Schloss Bellevue in Berlin, the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt highlighted its work alongside around 50 nonprofit organizations, initiatives, and businesses. The event drew several thousand visitors committed to the common good.
“We stand united, encourage one another, and are the best people we can be,” said Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in his welcome speech. “We are a country of people who see what needs to be done and do it, who make things better, who are there for one another and share our ideas.” Steinmeier opened his official residence to the public on September 12 and 13 and welcomed visitors to Schloss Bellevue. The festival was held under the motto: “An Honor to Volunteer – Count Me In.” This two-day event paid tribute to the many volunteers in Germany dedicated to the common good, as recognized by the Federal President and his wife, Elke Büdenbender.
“It is a great honor for us to highlight future-critical topics for society at the citizens’ festival in the heart of Berlin,” said Heba Aguib, Board Member of the BMW Foundation. “The energy transition is a driver of innovation, essential to society as a whole, and crucial for Germany’s, and ultimately Europe’s, competitiveness and prosperity.”
“It is a great honor for us to highlight future-critical topics for society at the citizens’ festival in the heart of Berlin,” said Heba Aguib, Board Member of the BMW Foundation. “The energy transition is a driver of innovation, essential to society as a whole, and crucial for Germany’s, and ultimately Europe’s, competitiveness and prosperity.”
“The energy transition is a driver of innovation, essential to society as a whole, and crucial for Germany’s, and ultimately Europe’s, competitiveness and prosperity.”
Member of the Board, BMW Foundation
The BMW Foundation is systematically advancing these themes through its focus areas “Energy Transition & Climate Action” and “Education & Qualification”, collaborating with partners from business, policy, science, and civil society. The goal is to deliver real-world change alongside dedicated leaders and experts.
The Foundation teamed up with the Center for Responsible Research and Innovation at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO and JOBLINGE to host its booth. The aim was to highlight the challenges and opportunities of Germany’s energy transition and to showcase career prospects that can future-proof society. Visitors to the interactive pavilion learned about future energy systems using scientific models and resources. A graphic display board featured the highlights of a representative survey commissioned by the BMW Foundation and conducted by the Allensbach Institute for Public Opinion Research in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute. The study from January 2025 looked at Germans’ attitudes toward the energy transition and revealed a remarkable change in perception toward the topic
The energy transition is central to the BMW Foundation’s mission. It is also key to “Werkstatt des Wandels,” a current event series in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute. The initiative is working with experts to explore how Germany can successfully carry out the energy transition, with a focus on technological aspects, social acceptance, and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. The event series is guided by the question: “What might an economically viable energy transition look like in energy-intensive industries?”
This series was initially organized in 2023 by the German Federal President in partnership with the BMW Foundation, the Carl Zeiss Foundation, and the Center for Responsible Research and Innovation at Fraunhofer IAO. It highlighted where positive change already occurs and urged people to take advantage of the current momentum.
This series was initially organized in 2023 by the German Federal President in partnership with the BMW Foundation, the Carl Zeiss Foundation, and the Center for Responsible Research and Innovation at Fraunhofer IAO. It highlighted where positive change already occurs and urged people to take advantage of the current momentum.
“To achieve climate neutrality, we need the acceptance of society and a skilled labor force."
Member of the Board, BMW Foundation
Another main topic in the BMW Foundation pavilion was future-focused careers that blend social, environmental, and economic responsibility. The initiative JOBLINGE shows that sustainable careers not only protect the environment, but also offer young people the chance for a self-determined, secure future.
JOBLINGE is an initiative co-founded by the BMW Foundation in 2008. It successfully engages youth by placing them in training through career orientation and providing long-term support to help them develop key skills. Heike Schneeweis, Board Member of the BMW Foundation, said, “To achieve climate neutrality, we need the acceptance of society and a skilled labor force. Innovative and sustainable jobs give young people a chance to learn vital skills early and prepare them for the future. This is the only way to implement solutions to major challenges quickly and on a large scale.”
JOBLINGE is an initiative co-founded by the BMW Foundation in 2008. It successfully engages youth by placing them in training through career orientation and providing long-term support to help them develop key skills. Heike Schneeweis, Board Member of the BMW Foundation, said, “To achieve climate neutrality, we need the acceptance of society and a skilled labor force. Innovative and sustainable jobs give young people a chance to learn vital skills early and prepare them for the future. This is the only way to implement solutions to major challenges quickly and on a large scale.”
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