Anas Schakfeh Prizes awarded at Vienna City Hall

The Anas Schakfeh Foundation held its second award ceremony at the Vienna City Hall on Monday, September 21, 2026, to honor individuals dedicated to human rights, democracy, equality, and peaceful coexistence.

Recipients of the awards included former Vienna Mayor Michael Häupl, recognized for his services to Islam and the participation of Muslims in Austria and Europe. Maria Katharina Moser, Director of Diakonie Austria, received the award for her contributions to the promotion of women and their participation in society. Maria Mayrhofer, from the civil society organization ‘#aufstehn’, was honored for her work in the fields of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

A special posthumous award for a lifetime of achievement was presented to journalist and publicist Heinz Nußbaumer, who passed away in October 2025. The jury recognized his efforts in building bridges between religions and fostering trust in democracy. The prize money associated with the special award will benefit the Alpbach Wien initiative group.