Berlin, June 18, 2025 – The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) presented the Engagement Award in the Lifetime Achievement category for the first time. The award went to Prof. Dr. Martin Kollmann, founding member of the German Network Against Neglected Tropical Diseases (DNTDs). With this award, the BMZ honors his more than three decades of extraordinary commitment to the global fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). In addition, two prizes were awarded in each of the categories Young Commitment and Long-Term Commitment.
Federal Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan presented the awards at a festive ceremony. In her laudatory speech, she highlighted the award winners as role models and emphasized that the challenges in this world are not diminishing. A better future is only possible if many people take responsibility. The award winners are a strong sign of this. They show how complex, often abstract issues can be translated into concrete help for people – with the clear message: You are not alone. You have our solidarity.
Around 80 guests, including representatives of civil society and former award winners, attended the event. Jochen Steinhilber, Head of the BMZ Department for Refugees, Crisis Prevention and Civil Society, praised Prof. Kollmann in his speech as a committed doctor and champion of neglected population groups. NTDs are a symbol of global inequality, he said, and Prof. Kollmann has been working tirelessly for decades to combat them.
The award honors him not only for his medical work, but also for his outstanding ability to build bridges between civil society, science, and business. As a networker and mentor, he also raises awareness of the issue among many young people and inspires them to take action.
