WUNDERBARTOGETHER GALA 2025 CELEBRATES GERMAN-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
An Evening of Cultural Diplomacy, Transatlantic Unity, and Educational Support
June 02nd, 2025
On March 29, 2025, the prestigious WunderbarTogether Gala took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C., celebrating the enduring German-American partnership. Organized by the German International School Washington D.C. (GISW), with strong support from the German Embassy, the event brought together key figures from diplomacy, business, education, and the arts.
The gala is part of the broader “Wunderbar Together” initiative, launched by the German Federal Foreign Office and the Goethe-Institut in partnership with the Federation of German Industries (BDI), promoting cultural and educational exchange between Germany and the U.S. Since 2018, the initiative has supported hundreds of bilateral programs and remains central to Germany’s public diplomacy efforts in the U.S.
The 2025 theme — “Bridging Cultures, Building Futures” — highlighted the importance of intercultural education and long-term institutional collaboration. The Gala aimed not only to celebrate existing transatlantic ties but also to inspire future cooperation.
German Ambassador Andreas Michaelis, who has served in Washington since 2023, delivered the keynote address, reaffirming Germany’s commitment to people-to-people engagement and support for educational institutions like GISW. He described the Gala as “a living expression of the friendship that binds our nations — rooted in mutual respect, and built for the future through culture, education, and exchange.”
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Global Unity Award to Condor Airlines, in recognition of its role in promoting transatlantic mobility through expanded direct flights between the U.S. and Germany — underscoring the vital contribution of the private sector to international exchange.
Guests enjoyed a refined three-course dinner, live and silent auctions, and a special musical performance by Haddaway, whose 1993 hit “What Is Love” brought a lively and nostalgic close to the evening. While celebratory, the event remained mission-focused.
Proceeds from the Gala will fund major campus upgrades at GISW, including the renovation of the main school building and the construction of a new elementary playground — reaffirming the school’s commitment to a bilingual, binational learning environment.
The evening demonstrated that cultural diplomacy is not limited to formal occasions but thrives in community spaces — in schools, shared experiences, and public engagement. With the continued backing of German institutions, the Gala underscored a collective commitment to building a vibrant, shared future.
References
- https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/sta/wsh/ueb/35j.html#slide1 https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/sta/wsh/ueb/35j.html#slide1
- https://wunderbartogethergala.com https://wunderbartogethergala.com
