Human Rights Prize for intercultural dialogue awarded in Graz

Human Rights Prize for intercultural dialogue awarded in Graz

Graz shines with joy! The Afro-Asian Institute (AAI) was honored with the Human Rights Prize of the State of Styria 2024. This important award not only recognizes the institute's outstanding work, but also comes with prize money of 7,500 euros. At the celebratory ceremony, which took place in the White Hall of Graz Castle, State Councilor Stefan Hermann (FPÖ) presented the award, accompanied by high-ranking guests such as historian Dieter-Anton Binder, who praised the AAI's bridge-building work in his ceremonial speech. According to the online portal of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau, the AAI is being honored for its commitment to intercultural dialogue between different cultures and religions. The jury chairwoman Brigitte Scherz-Schar and the deputy state governor Manuela Khom (ÖVP) were also present and praised the institute's commitment.

An honored leader

In addition, Doris Reiter, director of WIST Steiermark, received the award. Their achievements in the area of ​​social projects and support for students in Styria were also celebrated. Johannes Mindler-Steiner, the head of the AAI, commented on the honor and emphasized the importance of the recognition for the community-building activities and the promotion of intercultural dialogue in the region. The AAI, which has existed since 1962, has earned a reputation as a central place for communication and encounters and offers a home to students from Africa, Asia and Latin America.

This award not only recognizes the valuable work done at AAI, but also underlines the vision of bringing different cultures together. The institute is an important interface for students and provides 50 places in the Leech district. In this way, the AAI sets a decisive tone for a respectful and homely atmosphere for international students in Graz. Information about the AAI and its activities can be found at Kathpress and the Diocese of Graz-Seckau.