An Honor for Extraordinary Commitment

This honor represents the highest Polish distinction that can be conferred on individuals without Polish citizenship. In his laudatory speech, former Ambassador Janusz Reiter highlighted Rogall's decades of outstanding commitment to strengthening German-Polish relations.

A Bridge Builder Between Cultures

"Joachim Rogall went against the grain, both historically and politically," Reiter said, honoring the courageous decision of the honoree, who had already set his sights on Eastern Europe in the 1980s. In Poznań, Rogall developed a deep expertise in Polish affairs that extended far beyond academic knowledge. "At the university, he mastered the language, history, and culture. Outside the university, he gained valuable insights into the realities of Polish life. I cannot imagine a more comprehensive understanding of Poland," Reiter emphasized in his address.

About the Person

Prof. Dr. Joachim Rogall joined the Robert Bosch Stiftung in 1996, initially serving as a project manager and consultant before advancing to department head of the "International Understanding with Central and Eastern Europe" division. He became managing director in 2013 and assumed the role of chairman of the executive board in 2017. Rogall studied Eastern European History, Slavic Philology, and German Studies at the universities of Mainz, Poznań, Poland, and Heidelberg. He earned his doctorate in 1988 and completed his habilitation in 2000 at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. He continues to serve as an adjunct professor of Eastern European History at the University of Heidelberg.

Pioneer of German-Polish Dialogue

The former ambassador reflected on the pivotal role of the Robert Bosch Foundation in German-Polish relations during the 1990s. Rogall's joining the foundation in 1996 marked the beginning of a productive partnership: "Joachim Rogall was a perfect fit for this foundation, both in terms of his expertise and his personality. And that's exactly how he led the foundation. He expanded its international reach while never neglecting Poland as its hallmark."

"I have been dedicated to fostering understanding between our two nations since my school years. To have this work recognized by Poland in such a meaningful way is a tremendous honor for me, and I am deeply grateful."

Quote fromJoachim Rogall

"When Joachim arrived in Poznań, there were few connections between the two countries," Janusz Reiter reflected in his laudatory speech. Today, these connections are far more extensive than we typically realize. Joachim Rogall has made remarkable contributions to this development "through his personal dedication, scholarly expertise, and professional achievements."

"I have witnessed the ups and downs of German-Polish relations over the years. From a historical perspective, despite occasional misunderstandings and real challenges, these relations are in such good shape today that I have no concerns about the future."

Quote fromJoachim Rogall

You could also be interested in

Thoughts for the Turn of the Year

Together for a stable democracy!

At the end of the year, our CEO Bernhard Straub looks back at the debates of the past months and explains why it remains important to defend civil society.

An illustration of an oversized woman standing amidst a rain of bombs, bending protectively over a house

Testimonials of our project partners

How the War Is Changing the Role of Women in Ukraine

Three personal accounts from Ukraine: about new positions that women will no longer step back from.

An illustration showing various people and a woman and a man reaching out to each other.

Insights from our study ‘Diversity Barometer’

Diversity can help create identity: How we can strengthen social cohesion

A piece by Ottilie Bälz, Head of our funding area Global Issues.

Dunkle Wolken über dem Reichtstag in Berlin

Expert interview