14. May 2025
A PLEA FOR MORE HUMANITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
“What if we no longer emulate the loud, cold, greedy – but rather the tender, mindful, humane?” With this question, Natalie Amiri makes an impressive appeal for universal values, democracy, and humanity in the 16th Global Ethic Speech 2025. In her speech on the topic of “Endangered Values: Human Rights in a Destabilized World,” she formulates a clear message: Democracy only thrives when we support it together. Amiri advocates strengthening the good in everyday life as well as on a global scale – and not only demanding responsibility, but also taking it upon ourselves.
For 25 years, the Global Ethic Foundation, together with the University of Tübingen, has been inviting people from politics, culture, science, religion, and public life to the Global Ethic Lecture at the University of Tübingen.
HOW SHARED VALUES STRENGTHEN OUR RELATIONSHIPS
Natalie Amiri admits at the outset that the term “global ethic” may seem very complex, perhaps even unattainable and unrealistic at first glance. But it is actually about something very simple: “It’s about how we want to live together.” Security, justice, humanity, honesty – these are values shared by people around the world, regardless of religion or origin. Whether Christianity, Islam, or Judaism –their ethical principles are very similar. But it is not only religions that are united by this set of values. Secular societies are also built on the desire for respectful and fair treatment of one another. Global ethics is not an abstract concept, but something that is lived out every day– in listening, in empathy, in action.
A DEMOCRATIC EXPERIMENT DESERVES ATTENTION
Amiri reports on her trip to the autonomous Kurdish region of Rojava in northern Syria – a place where people live in democracy, gender equality and ecology despite the most adverse conditions. What began as a revolution of hope is now marked by power cuts, water shortages and Turkish attacks. The West remains silent, and the German government avoids taking a clear stance out of consideration for Turkey. But Rojava reminds us how much courage, sacrifice, and solidarity a functioning society needs. And how little global politics is willing to support real alternatives.
HUMANITY AS EMPIRICAL VALUES
A Persian father on a train sharing an orange becomes a symbol of what Amiri calls “a chain reaction of goodness.” The scene, shared millions of times on social media, shows that humanity does not require grand gestures, but rather mindfulness in small things. Sharing, helping, seeing – these are values that hold our society together. Especially in times of crisis, war, and polarization, it is crucial to remember what unites us. When we begin to truly notice each other again, a space is created in which democracy can flourish – in everyday life, in concrete terms.
WHY WE NEED VALUE-BASED POLITICS
Amiri criticizes Western foreign policy: human rights must not only apply when they fit into geopolitical calculations. Repression in Iran, the use of German weapons in crisis areas, silence on atrocities in Syria – all of this undermines our credibility. Amiri argues that genuine value-based politics must be allowed to be uncomfortable. It must call out injustice, even when it comes from partner states. If we want to be a role model as a democracy, we need consistency, courage, and the willingness to think beyond our own economic and diplomatic interests.
PRESERVING FREEDOM
Democracy does not thrive solely on elections or institutions, but on the active involvement of the people. Natalie Amiri calls on us to get involved, to take a stand, and to engage in uncomfortable discussions. Because populism flourishes where fear dictates thinking. Journalism, education, and civil society must be strengthened to enable informed discourse. Amiri emphasizes: Our freedom is not a coincidence. It is the result of hard struggles – and it will only survive if we defend it. With empathy, the courage to seek the truth, and a clear eye for what is essential.
"Our society and our values are responsible for preserving our democracy. It survives only through the citizens of the community, not through laws alone. (...) We here in Germany in particular now have the great task of showing that it is possible to preserve democracy. But for this to happen, many people must take responsibility – not just politicians. All of us – and that is exhausting."
HOW CONFIDENCE BECOMES THE FOUNDATION FOR CHANGE
Despite all the crises, despite the dramatic conditions Amiri describes, her speech ends with a powerful appeal for hope. She reminds us of the Iranian women who risk their lives for freedom and the strength of those who hold on to humanity even under the most adverse circumstances. Amiri quotes Margot Friedländer: “Don’t look at what divides you. Look at what connects you. Be human, be reasonable.” Amiri’s message: Democracy needs emotional connection – not just rules. If we look again at what connects us, not what divides us, we can become role models. For a world that puts humanity above power.
ENCOUNTERS INSTEAD OF WALLS
Following his speech, Amiri openly and spontaneously answered numerous questions from the audience. The discussion was moderated by Lena Zoller, Executive Director of the Global Ethic Foundation. One young man described his lack of self-efficacy when, especially in rural areas, he felt unable to change anything due to entrenched positions. Amiri emphasized that face-to-face interaction is always important. The fundamental problem with all conflicts today, she said, is that there are no longer any encounters, only walls. These walls must be torn down.
Amiri gave a personal answer to the audience’s question about what attracts her to traveling to crisis regions. She said she was not attracted to the danger at all and that she was often afraid of being arrested by the secret service. Her background and language skills helped her to give a voice to people who did not have one. This gave her a sense of purpose. For her, it was clear: “I have an obligation to be there.”
CREATING YOUR OWN ROLE
Around 30 students of media, politics, economics, and law at the University of Tübingen exchanged ideas with Natalie Amiri on the day after the 16th Global Ethic Lecture. Amiri provided personal insights into her life, her work as a journalist, and her experiences as a woman in crisis regions. She spoke about responsibility and challenges in journalism: why it is essential to fight for freedom of the press, what role religions play in conflicts, and how she reaches people with her message. She gave the students helpful tips for starting a career in foreign journalism – but also on how important it is to believe in yourself, stand up for yourself, and follow your own path. That everyone must not seek their own role, but create it. And once again, she impressed the students with her optimism and courage, with her confident and hopeful attitude.
In cooperation with
