The jury of the "Ambassador Mihnea Constantinescu" National Prize, awarded by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for special merits in fighting anti-Semitism, xenophobia, radicalization and hate speech, has decided, upon consensus, to confer the 2024 prize to Robert Waltl.
The jury valued the innovative nature of Robert Waltl's work, the long-term impact of his activities, the substantial civic commitment and the remarkable contribution to public education, as well as being an example and a model for similar initiatives.
The jury aded that Robert Waltl's work embodies the spirit and values of this national prize, which was established in March 2024 by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to honour the life and work of Ambassador Mihnea Constantinescu and his remarkable contribution in fighting and preventing anti-Semitism, and raising awareness about the dangers of all forms of anti-Semitism, xenophobia, radicalisation and hate speech.
Mihnea Constantinescu was a distinguished diplomat, Ambassador, Special Representative of the Romanian Government on Energy Security Issues. He held senior positions in the Romanian Foreign Ministry and served as a diplomatic advisor to several Prime Ministers. From March 2016 to March 2017, he was President of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and was instrumental in the adoption of a non-legally binding working definition of anti-Semitism, which served as a guide for the work of the IHRA.
Robert Waltl will be presented with the award in Bucharest.
