What a whirlwind year 2024 has been! The world remains turbulent, and nothing seems to surprise us anymore. This is precisely why it is more important than ever to find moments to pause, reflect, and simply enjoy the beauty in life. Only when we take care of ourselves can we find the strength to continuously work for a fair, sustainable, and hopeful future.
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you moments of peace during the upcoming holidays—whether you celebrate or not. Let’s gather our strength so that we can enter 2025 full of energy. Because doing nothing is not an option!
This year, I was guided by the concept of Radical Responsibility. Time and again, I asked myself: “What role do I play in maintaining the problem I face? And how can I shift that role so that I become part of the solution?”
Stubborn Optimism
For 2025, I want to build on this approach and dedicate myself to the concept of Stubborn Optimism. Why? Because now, more than ever, we cannot afford to give up hope.
The world is facing enormous challenges; this is undeniable. Climate scientists present us with harrowing scenarios, and progress can sometimes feel painfully slow. The temptation to resign ourselves to the belief that change is impossible is strong. But this would be a fatal mistake—and this is precisely where Stubborn Optimism comes in.
Stubborn Optimism does not mean denying reality or clinging naively to hope. It means believing in the potential for change and actively contributing to it, despite all obstacles. It is optimism that is persistent because it must be. It is optimism rooted in small but visible progress: the rapid rise of renewable energy, agricultural innovations, and the millions of people worldwide who are creating new solutions—both big and small.
Yes, the challenges are immense. But positive transformation has already begun. Solar energy has been the world’s fastest-growing energy source for 19 consecutive years. Fossil fuels will continue to decline in the coming years. We are witnessing the dawn of a new era—one that may not bring utopia but will allow for a cleaner, fairer, and more liveable world.
This confidence in change is not blind faith; it is a strategic mindset that keeps us capable of action. Despair paralyses us, robbing us of the energy and clarity we so desperately need. Stubborn Optimism, on the other hand, ignites a light—a light we carry within us and can pass on to inspire others.
Reflecting on 2024
Professionally, this year has brought me countless moments of joy. Between Brussels, Berlin, Cologne, Bonn, Frankfurt, and many other cities, I had the privilege of hosting events, building bridges, developing solutions, and, most importantly, meeting inspiring people. People who have shown me time and again what is possible when we work together. For this, I am infinitely grateful.
I look forward to continuing on this path in 2025—and to having all of you by my side as we do so.
Use the coming weeks to recharge, find peace, and enjoy the wonder that this life and this world have to offer. And then let’s continue, together, to fight for a fair, sustainable, and good future!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!