The American Chamber of Commerce in Germany celebrated the 2024 Transatlantic Partnership Award (TAPA) ceremony, honoring two distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to fostering German American relations. The prestigious award this year was presented to Ms. Margot Friedländer, a Holocaust survivor and advocate for peace, and Ms. Anna Winger, American writer, producer, and photographer, for their significant impact on the transatlantic relationship through their work in promoting peace, historical understanding, and cultural storytelling.
Together with representatives from political, cultural, and the transatlantic business communities, AmCham Germany hosted the award ceremony in the Meistersaal Berlin as an exclusive gala event on the evening of September 19, 2024. This special occasion recognized not only the recipients’ individual achievements but also the broader mission of strengthening ties across the Atlantic. Due to a scheduling conflict, Anna Winger was unable to attend the TAPA 2024 gala dinner and will receive the award in person at a later date.
The Transatlantic Partnership Award pays tribute to outstanding individuals and organizations that have significantly advanced the partnership between Germany and the United States, fostering collaboration across business, culture, and politics. Since 1987, AmCham Germany has bestowed this honor on those who contribute to the advancement of German American friendship, with past recipients including NATO, Bill Gates, Dirk Nowitzki, and the Berlin and New York Philharmonics.
AmCham Germany President Simone Menne led the official award presentation. In her remarks, she highlighted the importance of the Transatlantic Partnership Award in recognizing individuals who make lasting contributions to the cultural and social fabric of both nations. President Menne emphasized: “Both Margot Friedländer and Anna Winger exemplify the power of culture and storytelling in strengthening the bonds between nations. Their contributions call on us to reflect that the transatlantic partnership is not only defined by politics or economics, but also by the personal and cultural connections that unite our societies and make them stronger. They inspire us to continue building and using bridges between our countries and societies by channeling the transatlantic spirit through dialogue, art, and shared values.”
During his laudatory speech, Mario Federico, Chairman of the Management Board of McDonald's Germany and Luxembourg, elaborated on the significance of Margot Friedländer’s work. "Her dedication to freedom, democracy, and humanity extends far beyond national borders; she fosters connections and collaborations across continents, inspiring people to fight prejudice and stand up for diversity and togetherness, while embodying the spirit of the transatlantic partnership through her capacity for forgiveness, willingness to make a new start, and commitment to dialog."
Ms. Friedländer, accepted the award and emphasized her key message: “I am delighted to receive this award, which builds a bridge to my second home of many years in the United States. I am convinced that my message ‘Be human’ is the key to a good future on both sides of the Atlantic, especially in these times”
The 2024 Transatlantic Partnership Award ceremony was made possible thanks to the support of AmCham Germany’s cooperation partners, with special thanks to Accenture and McDonald's Deutschland LLC for their generous sponsorship of this event.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to the distinguished TAPA jury members, who carefully selected this year’s recipients:
- Simone Menne, President, American Chamber of Commerce in Germany (Chair)
- Mario Federico, President and Managing Director, McDonald's Deutschland LLC
- David Knower, Managing Director and Partner, Cerberus Deutschland Beteiligungsberatung GmbH
- Christina Raab, Market Unit Lead ASG, Accenture GmbH
- Michael Link, Member of the Bundestag and Coordinator of Transatlantic Cooperation, Federal Foreign Office
- Kirsten Ludowig, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Handelsblatt
- Dr. Alexander Steinforth, General Manager, National Football League (NFL) Germany
AmCham Germany extends its gratitude to all attendees, speakers, and sponsors for making this year’s gala a memorable and impactful event. The 2024 Transatlantic Partnership Award marks another milestone in the ongoing effort to celebrate and strengthen the vital transatlantic bond.
