On the occasion of German Unity Day, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will award 28 citizens with the Federal Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany on October 1, 2024. The individuals are being honored for their outstanding commitment to the values of democracy in various ways and for making an important contribution to mutual understanding and social dialogue. The winners come from business, science, art, or volunteer work. Antje von Dewitz, Managing Director of Vaude, will also be awarded the Federal Order of Merit.
The reason for the award is that it combines entrepreneurship, environmental protection and the protection of human rights. Under her as managing director, Vaude has committed itself to climate neutrality, environmental protection and high social standards in the supply chain. She has thus become a role model for sustainable and social entrepreneurship in the textile and clothing industry. In addition, she is committed to integrating refugees through employment and is co-founder of the entrepreneurial initiative “Right of Residence through Work”. Antje von Dewitz is also involved in many voluntary activities. For example, she was deputy chairwoman of the board of trustees of the German Federal Environmental Foundation for ten years and is a board member of the Federal Association for Sustainable Economy.
