Social and animal welfare awards presented in Germany and Austria

In Germany, the twelfth annual Sterntaler child protection award was presented at the Saxon State Parliament. The award, given on UN World Children's Day, recognizes creative and integrative projects for youth, particularly those with migration backgrounds. This year, the project ‘MITeinander’ by Elterninitiative FED Leipzig e. V. received the prize, which includes 3,000 euros, for its work supporting children with disabilities and migration backgrounds.

In Austria, the Federal Animal Welfare Prize 2026 was awarded during a ceremony at the Social Ministry in Vienna. The event, which also marked the 20th anniversary of the ‘Tierschutz macht Schule’ association, included main prizes for ‘A G’spia fürs Tier’ (Volkshilfe Wien) and RespekTurtle. Other honors were given to the Lebenshof Sonnenweide, the Austrian Bat Station, and various school classes for their commitment to animal welfare.