At an official ceremony held at the headquarters of BGL BNP Paribas on 20 October 2010, Kik Schneider, Chairman of the Alphonse Weicker Foundation, presented the 2010 Sustainable Economic Progress Prize to the review “forum - für Politik, Gesellschaft und Kultur”. The event was attended by representatives of “forum” and members of the Foundation's Board.
“forum” is a Luxembourg journal offering coverage of political and cultural topics, with unpaid contributions from an impressive number of regular and occasional volunteers. Its aim is to provide a platform for the interchange of ideas, favouring progress and the diversity of opinions. A standard bearer for independent, transparent journalism for over 30 years, “forum” combines liberal approaches to human rights and freedom, and conservative views on all topics related to human life with favour for left-leaning social policies. For readers, its appeal lies in its openness: this allows the expression of contrasting opinions free from the pressures of commercial interests and political parties.
The Alphonse Weicker Foundation's Sustainable Economic Progress Prize, which includes a cash award of EUR 25,000, was awarded for the first time in 2008. It offers recognition for an achievement or record of achievements and exceptional projects making a lasting contribution to economic progress in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Projects are selected for their innovative quality and contributions to the modernization of Europe's social model through investments in education, training, labour-market integration and the preservation of social cohesion.
The next Sustainable Economic Progress Prize will be awarded in 2012.
The Alphonse Weicker Foundation
Established in 1989 and chaired by Kik Schneider, a member of the Management Board of BGL BNP Paribas, the Alphonse Weicker Foundation promotes specialised study and research in Luxembourg, organising conferences and seminars and providing support for research in fields ranging from biomolecular science to health, information technology, politics, sociology and the history of art.
The Foundation is an invaluable lever for BGL BNP Paribas in its ongoing commitment to the central role it has played in the economic and social development of Luxembourg ever since 1919. Reflecting this, it is named after Alphonse Weicker, one of bank's founders and later its Chairman.