Internationally renowned peace prize awarded to Prof. Dr Sven Michel

Prof. Dr. Sven Michel, a professor at the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus–Senftenberg (BTU) and President of the German-Arab University Conference (DAHK), was awarded the internationally renowned Sino-Phil Asia International Peace Award 2026 on 6 April and named ‘Peace Laureate 2026’.

The official notification of the award was made in a letter from Dr Sir Billy Chan (Chairman of the Board) together with Prof. Sir Manson Fok (President Emeritus) and the US Senator for the State of Georgia, Emanuel Jones (Chairman Emeritus).

The peace prize is awarded by the Sino-Phil Asia International Peace Awards Foundation, based in Manila, an internationally active non-governmental organisation registered with the United Nations. The selection of laureates takes place through a curated process by an international panel and is aimed at individuals whose work makes concrete contributions to peace, development and international cooperation. Previous laureates include former heads of state and government, members of royal families, and internationally distinguished representatives from the fields of politics, academia and international cooperation. Further information on the foundation can be found at: www.sinophilpeace.org 

“Throughout your career, you have stood out in a special way for dignity, inclusion and human development, and have distinguished yourself as a responsible leader whose intercultural work has funded peace through understanding, opportunities and shared values,” stated the Foundation’s Chairman, Sir Billy Chan, in his citation.

The award to Prof. Michel recognises programmes and partnerships in particular aimed at developing higher education structures and strengthening international links between education, research and medical practice in Iraq and the Arab world. This has involved establishing study programmes, expanding educational structures and significantly improving access to academic education. In collaboration with the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, the compatibility with European and German qualifications has also been strengthened.

As part of these initiatives, the proportion of women in higher education and academic training at the participating institutions has also been significantly increased. This is regarded as a concrete contribution to strengthening social participation and developing stable educational structures.

Furthermore, the engagement also encompasses medical-scientific projects, including in the field of cryosurgery. Leading international medical experts have been successfully recruited to participate in these projects, including Prof. Nikolai Korpan from Vienna, a globally recognised specialist in cryosurgery who was involved, amongst other things, in the treatment of the future Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko following his poisoning, as well as Prof. Sir Manson Fok from Macau, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) and President of MUST Hospital.

“For me, this award confirms that international cooperation is particularly effective when it is further developed at an institutional level and creates long-term structures. The experience gained from the educational programmes established and the collaboration in medical training demonstrates the potential that lies in stronger international networking of education, research and knowledge transfer – including for the Lusatia region,” said Prof. Dr Sven Michel.

A hallmark of the outstanding work is the combination of scientific training, institutional development, patient care and concrete implementation on the ground – coupled with a clear international focus.

The award ceremony will take place in November 2026 in Manila (Philippines) in the presence of international figures from politics, science and society.