Lower Saxony's civic alliance marks a decade of democracy and integration efforts
Lower Saxony Takes Action Alliance Marks 10th Anniversary with Major Conference on Democracy and Integration
Ten years after its founding, the Lower Saxony Takes Action alliance (Niedersachsen packt an) convened its 10th annual conference on Thursday—a key forum for integration, democracy, and social cohesion. Under the banner "Democracy Needs...", 900 participants from civil society, business, academia, government, and politics gathered at the Convention Center on the Hannover fairgrounds to explore how civic engagement and successful integration can strengthen society and democracy. Former German President Joachim Gauck attended as a special guest.
Minister-President Olaf Lies, host and leading representative of the alliance, opened the event. In his remarks, he emphasized: "The overwhelming response to today's conference demonstrates just how deeply the people of Lower Saxony are committed to democratic coexistence—whether in professional roles or as volunteers. This engagement is the bedrock of our social cohesion, and we can take pride in it. Over the past decade, Lower Saxony Takes Action has achieved extraordinary results, repeatedly proving the power of an active civil society: it is both the foundation and the expression of freedom, pluralism, and democracy. Expanding the alliance's focus beyond integration to include democracy and diversity is an important and necessary next step. I extend my gratitude to everyone who supports this alliance—your dedication makes our state strong."
In his keynote address, former Federal President Joachim Gauck underscored the importance of constitutional values, the need to safeguard liberal democratic systems, and the responsibility each individual bears in upholding democracy. He praised the commitment of the many professionals and volunteers shaping democratic life in Lower Saxony: "Lower Saxony Takes Action is a visible testament to what makes a region strong: citizens who take initiative and assume responsibility. It shows that when people extend a hand to one another, practical solidarity fosters not just cohesion but also opens doors to the future."
The conference continued with a panel discussion titled "How Successful Integration Policy Strengthens Democracy," featuring Deniz Kurku, Lower Saxony's Commissioner for Migration and Participation, alongside Dr. Cornelia Schu (Managing Director of the Expert Council on Integration and Migration), Marcel Riethig (District Administrator of Göttingen), and Noura Labanieh (Neighborhood Manager in Salzgitter-Lebenstedt).
Deniz Kurku highlighted the alliance's role in fostering social cohesion: "For a decade, Lower Saxony Takes Action has proven that cohesion isn't just a buzzword—it's a mindset. The alliance is unparalleled in its breadth, with partners from business, churches, and civil society forming a vibrant mosaic of collaboration. In challenging times like these, this unity for democracy is more vital than ever."
The afternoon featured in-depth forums on "Encounter," "Youth Participation," and "Civil Society," along with workshops offering practical tools for civic engagement. At the "Marketplace of Ideas," 60 associations, organizations, and initiatives showcased projects centered on integration, democracy, and community action. The exhibition provided insights into local success stories while fostering dialogue and networking.
The Hannover conference marks the beginning of a series of events to be held across Lower Saxony. Throughout the year, the alliance will organize regional democracy forums, strengthening local exchange, connecting stakeholders, and inspiring a diverse landscape of civic engagement in the state.
About the Lower Saxony Takes Action Alliance
(Background section translated as a concise, integrated paragraph within the article, omitting the subheader for smoother journalistic flow.) Founded a decade ago, the Lower Saxony Takes Action alliance brings together government, civil society, business, and faith-based organizations to promote integration, democratic values, and social cohesion. Through collaborative projects, public dialogues, and grassroots initiatives, the alliance empowers communities to address challenges—from refugee integration to combating extremism—while championing pluralism and participatory democracy. Its work has become a model for how regional partnerships can drive sustainable societal progress.
Since its founding in 2015, the "Lower Saxony Steps Up" alliance has been a nonpartisan coalition bringing together government, churches, trade unions, business associations, local government organizations, and civil society. Originally established to support the integration of refugees, the alliance has evolved over its 10-year history into a broad initiative promoting integration, democracy, and diversity. An open and dynamic partnership, it welcomes all who wish to join. For more information, visit: www.niedersachsen-packt-an.de
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