Berlin Hub
A Floating Market of Ideas and Solidarity in Civil Society
Check out Berlin Hub for Human Rights Defenders – a new branch of Berlin Hub
- our values
Berlin Hub welcomes exiled voices, grassroots movements and local creatives to foster care and collaboration
WHAT IS
BERLIN HUB?
Berlin Hub, an initiative of the Civil Society Forum, embodies the belief that civil society thrives on real connections, honest conversations and mutual care. In a world increasingly shaped by disinformation, polarisation and isolation, Berlin Hub serves as a dynamic space where changemakers—artists, activists, scientists, journalists and exiled leaders—come together to collaborate and reimagine solutions to the challenges that divide us. The Hub reflects the spirit of a “floating market,” allowing participants to organically exchange experiences and knowledge, much like neighbours shaping their community.
Berlin Hub serves as gravity point for those already driving change, providing a space to amplify their work. It is a platform where civil society flourishes through genuine connections rather than surface-level engagement.
CSF acknowledges that change is essential but cannot be achieved alone. Through Berlin Hub, we are prompted to reflect: How does this city shape our work and identity within civil society, across Europe and beyond? What happens when we connect—not just through projects, but by sharing our stories, dreams and aspirations?
MISSION
Capacity building and skill development:
We equip activists, artists and diaspora communities with tools in advocacy, storytelling, project management and facilitation.
Fostering mutual awareness and network building:
We connect grassroots initiatives, diaspora leaders and exiled communities through platforms that promote meaningful exchange.
Incubation and experimentation:
We co-create and test innovative ideas, providing space for initiatives that address societal and systemic challenges.
Reflection and dialogue:
We create open spaces for civil society actors to question, disrupt and co-design solutions to systemic issues, promoting trust and collective action.
- WAYS TO ENGAGE
At Berlin Hub, we co-create spaces that unite people, fostering deep collaboration across sectors. By hosting diverse communities, we bring diverse voices into dialogue—through storytelling, performances, interactive workshops and many other formats.
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Host with Us
The CSF is not only a pan-continental gathering of organisations and people, it is also a mode of collaboration, co-authoring, co-activism and co-imagination. It is a platform for thinking and doing, but also of hoping, dreaming and discussing. It creates spaces, where we can meet, talk and dream of a world, which is capable of change, while it also connects those who can take concrete steps towards these changes on the broader European landscape.
Host with Others
Host Within
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Host Beyond
KEY VALUES
THAT GUIDE US
Belonging: At the heart of Berlin Hub is the principle of belonging—creating spaces where every voice matters, where people feel valued and connected
Dialogue: Dialogue is both a value and a tool—a commitment to active listening, meaningful exchange and fostering understanding across differences.
Solidarity: The Berlin Hub is dedicated to supporting communities where individuals and groups stand together for collective action.
Berlin Hub EVENTS
For many human rights defenders (HRDs) and human rights organisations threatened by war and persecution, Germany, and Berlin in particular, has long been a safe haven where they can continue their work and regain their strength. The city’s history offers hope and inspiration, and its many diaspora communities can provide a sense of home.
Today, however, that promise is under strain. As the political debate increasingly focuses on restricting migration, it is becoming harder for human rights defenders to come to Berlin and build a life here. Humanitarian concerns have moved down the federal government’s agenda, with significant cuts to humanitarian aid and reduced admission programmes for people at risk. Bureaucratic hurdles remain high, and even those granted asylum often see no long-term prospect of continuing their human rights work.
As part of our Berlin Hub for Human Rights Defenders programme, join us to discuss the following questions with both parliamentarians and civil society: How can civil society help HRDs in exile find safety and stability in Berlin, especially at a time when political support is shrinking? And how does our society benefit when we listen to them and support their integration?
Jian Omar, Member of the Berlin House of Representatives for the Green Party, will be joining us for the discussion with human rights defenders in exile. The event has been supported by Brot für die Welt. Make sure to register.
