Democracy, Freedom And Peace Can Succeed In The End: 30 Years Of German Reunification

Today marks the most important German National Holiday. 30 years ago, on October 3, 1990, after a long period of separation during the cold war, East-Germany and West-Germany were reunited.

For me, this is an occasion to reflect. In my role as CEO of SAP I am privileged to speak to people from all over the world and my world is enriched by their different perspectives and cultures. That said, I can tell you that in many countries around the globe Germany is admired for the success of its Reunification.  

Of course, we all know that, despite the success Germany still has work to do. Many East-Germans still feel like second-class citizens, something chancellor Angela Merkel, herself raised in former East Germany, pointed out last year. German unification remains an ongoing process, a continuous task, she also said. And today reminds us of exactly that.

Nevertheless, today is also a day to celebrate. For me, October 3 not only marks the German Reunification, but also stands for the triumph of democracy, of freedom and of peace. Sometimes democracy can feel like hard work and it does require a lot from those who participate in it. Now, I think that is just fine because nothing worth having is ever easy. Democracy means respecting those with different opinions. The most important aspect of democracy is debate and public discourse. It requires a tolerance for compromise and diversity. We must embrace that tolerance, stay open-minded and talk to each other no matter what. We must keep debate culture alive.

In 2020 we see polarization increase all over the world. Add the COVID-19 pandemic and we find ourselves in a world where nothing is what it used to be. You can hardly blame people for seeking simple solutions. But again, nothing worth having is ever easy. We are in this together and can only overcome problems and differences together.

October 3 for me is a reminder that democracy, freedom and peace can succeed in the end. The German Reunification is an impressive example for exactly that. Today we should all take a moment to reflect and remind ourselves that we have more things in common than that which divides us.

I want my children to grow up in a free and peaceful world. A world in which bridges are built instead of walls – bridges that are grounded in a strong and robust democracy. Today, 30 years of German Reunification is a signal to the world, and I hope that it will be heard.