Over 170 representatives from companies and non-profit organizations came together in the ESWE Hall on Tuesday, 6 May, to turn ideas for commitment into concrete projects. Together, they set a visible example of how every good deed makes our city a better place to live.

Wiesbaden Engagiert!" has been promoting cooperation between business and civil society since 2005. What once began as a single day of action is now the flagship of the city's corporate cooperation in the Office for Social Work. The campaign week has developed into a permanent institution that sustainably strengthens social cohesion in Wiesbaden. Last year, around 1,700 employees from 112 companies got involved in 138 projects with 110 charitable organizations - a strong sign of responsibility in action.

The project exchange traditionally marks the start of the campaign week. Around 40 non-profit organizations presented their project ideas live there in order to find partners for implementation. A total of over 126 projects have already been registered for 2025. Companies from a wide range of sectors - from large corporations to SMEs - are involved, many of them with a large number of employees.

The event was opened by Head of Social Affairs Dr. Patricia Becher, who symbolically cut a blue ribbon and emphasized in her welcoming address: "Those who are here today want to make a difference. Especially in a world full of crises, we are sending an important signal together: we create confidence through joint action, concrete deeds and genuine partnership. This creates trust, new perspectives and connections - across social boundaries."

A so-called "chat and orientation phase" was introduced for the first time this year. This allowed company representatives to find out about the projects and ask questions at their leisure before the official start of the exchange transactions. Experienced participants wanted to use this great platform to exchange ideas. In addition, online workshops under the motto "Fit for the Project Exchange" had prepared for the event in advance.

"Wiesbaden Engagiert!" is not only a platform for new encounters, but also a successful model for sustainable partnerships: around half of all projects are now created on the basis of established, stable collaborations. Many of today's successful connections between companies and non-profit organizations once began at a project exchange.

The Project Exchange 2025 is under the patronage of Lord Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende. He emphasized the importance of commitment: "Wiesbaden Engagiert!' is a shining example of how companies take responsibility for our society. The campaign week not only promotes specific projects, but also dialog and understanding between the various players in our urban society. Every project, every collaboration strengthens cohesion and shapes the future of our city. This commitment is a real treasure for Wiesbaden."

The projects that emerge from the Action Week directly benefit the people of Wiesbaden: children, young people, older people, people with disabilities and environmental initiatives. The companies also benefit - through new perspectives, strengthened teamwork and a tangible sense of community.

On Wednesday, May 7, an online project exchange was also launched, where further projects can be found. The campaign week will take place from September 12 to 19. In 2026, "Wiesbaden Engagiert!" will return to its usual early summer date.

Looking ahead to the coming months, Dr. Becher concluded: "I am already looking forward to seeing what has emerged from the ideas and encounters of this project exchange in September. They are all making an invaluable contribution to a strong Wiesbaden."

Further information on the campaign week and registration can be found at: www.aktionswoche-wiesbaden-engagiert.de (opens in a new tab)

If you have any questions, please contact the Business Cooperation Unit at the Office for Social Work, telephone (0611) 312651 or e-mail: wiesbaden-engagiertwiesbadende

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