"Far more than a journalism prize"

It's about poverty in Germany, climate change, misogyny - topics that are heavy on the stomach. But on this day in Munich, a different energy fills the room: the jury of the Constructive World Award (CWA) has come together to select journalistic contributions that not only highlight grievances, but also focus on real solutions. The special thing about the CWA is that it is not just journalists who are honored for their work, but also the people whose ideas are portrayed in it. Almost 200 of these “tandems” have applied for the CWA, which is being awarded for the third time this year. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony in Berlin. 

Controversial, committed - a jury full of passion

“It's like a family reunion here!” said BurdaForward CEOs Lydia Rullkötter and Daniel Steil when welcoming the guests. Many of the jury members are here for the second or third time. The Burda editorial teams are also represented. Kai Winckler (BurdaVerlag), Florian Festl (Focus Online), Robert Pölzer (BUNTE), Alina Bähr (BUNTE.de), Carsten Fiedler (BurdaForward), Sophie Grützner (InStyle) and Anke Helle (Freundin) contributed their journalistic expertise on site. The great solidarity shows that the Constructive World Award has long been more than just a journalism prize. It has become a platform, a network of innovative people who see challenges but think in terms of solutions.  

The jury's discussions revolve around the subtle nuances of good reporting as well as major social issues: What should corporate social responsibility look like in order to achieve maximum impact? How can the media not only inform people, but also activate them? Which stories have the potential to trigger real change?  

These questions were also the focus of the panel debate that opened the jury day. Under the title “Media and companies as drivers of social responsibility”, the participants looked for answers to both global and very specific challenges - moderated by Lydia Rullkötter. 

From analysis to action: what drives change

Julia Adou, Director Sustainability at Aldi Süd, emphasizes that sustainable change requires perseverance above all. Companies can only really make a difference if they develop long-term solutions together with politicians and society.  

For Gabriele Hässig, Managing Director Communication and Sustainability at Procter & Gamble, education and intergenerational dialog play a key role: "We need to think about how we can develop people. To do this, we need meeting spaces like the one here at the CWA. And then we have to move from talk to action."

This is precisely why they are partners of the CWA, as are the company Merz Lifecare and the initiative "Healthy Earth. Healthy children" initiative by Robert Lübenoff and Dr. Florian Kreuzpointner. They all want to make a difference.

In the on-site talk, Florian Festl, Editor-in-Chief of Focus Online, also clearly emphasized the value of solution-oriented reporting: "Constructive journalism does not mean ignoring problems. It's about making solutions visible and inspiring people to take action."

A sign of forward-looking journalism

With the Constructive World Award, Burda is sending out a clear signal: Good journalism is not limited to describing - it inspires action. Especially in times when crises and negative headlines dominate, constructive perspectives are needed.  

With its brands, BurdaForward shows what solution-oriented reporting can look like - and with the CWA makes visible precisely those stories that can make the world a better place. Which entries convinced the jury in the end? That won't be revealed until June 5 in Berlin. But one thing is already certain: the winners will not only be celebrated for their research - but for their contribution to a better future.