New Year's reception in Birkenfeld: Where politics, science and citizens meet!

New Year's reception in Birkenfeld: Where politics, science and citizens meet!

The New Year's reception took place in Birkenfeld on January 16, 2026 and brought together over 300 guests from different areas. This event was made possible through the cooperation of the city, the Birkenfeld municipality, the local community of Hoppstädten-Weiersbach and the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld (UCB). The aim was to revive a tradition that had been on pause in recent years. [Rhein Zeitung] reports that the participants included eminent personalities such as Dorit Schumann, the president of Trier University, and Hans-Peter Lampel, the mayor of Birkenfeld.

The event was attended by many guests from business, science, regional politics, local government, the health sector and other institutions. Particularly noteworthy is the guest of honor role of Viviane Fattorelli, the mayor of the twin town of Audun-le-Tiche, France, who contributed an international flair to the event. The opening speech was given by Professor Dr. Dorit Schumann with the guiding principle of “strengthening togetherness”.

Innovations and developments at UCB

The Birkenfeld environmental campus, which is very popular, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Significant innovations were announced on the occasion of the New Year's reception. The campus now has around 1,700 students and is ranked fourth in the international UI Green Metric ranking. In addition, the UCB recently received the German Sustainability Prize in three categories. This underlines the role of the UCB as a beacon for sustainable development in the region, as District Administrator Miroslaw Kowalski emphasized.

Another positive aspect was the granting of the right to award doctorates to Trier University of Applied Sciences. This enables future doctorates at UCB and is seen as a game changer for the region's academic landscape. Matthias König, the mayor of Birkenfeld, found clear words for the solidarity required to overcome the challenges of the future together.

A platform for exchange and networking

The New Year's reception not only offered an opportunity to celebrate, but also a platform for exchange. Guests were able to have personal conversations and build networks at the finger food buffet. In an interview, Matthias Bruch, managing partner of Globus Holding GmbH, commented on the current challenges. With over 30,000 employees, Globus is a significant player in the market that values ​​sustainable business and takes responsibility for people and the environment. The cooperation with regional suppliers to avoid food waste also received special mention.

The musical accompaniment by Clara Dicke from the Birkenfeld District Music School gave the event a special touch and ensured a pleasant atmosphere. Federal President Julia Klöckner did not miss the opportunity to deliver a greeting via video screen, which underlined the importance of the New Year's reception at both the local and national level.

Overall, the New Year's reception in Birkenfeld makes it clear that a lot can be achieved with a good hand and committed cooperation. [Environment Campus] and [Bremen] state that such events not only serve tradition, but also send a strong signal of cohesion and innovative strength in the region.