Credit: David Ghisa

On Wednesday 17 December 2025, WECITIZENS, a local non-profit organisation, organised a civic gathering as part of the Citizen Awards Luxembourg, honouring twelve individuals for their civic engagement, who will feature in the Citizen Awards Luxembourg 2026 calendar.

According to the organisers, the Citizen Awards Luxembourg aim to highlight committed citizens whose concrete actions contribute to strengthening social cohesion, democratic participation, inclusion, solidarity and sustainability in the Grand Duchy. Led by WECITIZENS and supported by the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception, the initiative sheds light on paths that are often discreet but essential to the country’s democratic and social fabric.

“The Citizen Awards do not reward titles or positions, but sincere commitments. They remind us that citizenship is lived on a daily basis through concrete, local or international actions that have a real impact on people and communities,” said Caroline Reviriot, founder and programme director of WECITIZENS.

The 12 Citizen Awards Luxembourg 2026 laureates

  • César Gonzalez Fernandez (Luxembourg City) – Founder of Clean Something For Nothing, mobilising thousands of citizens worldwide for nature clean-ups and environmental awareness.
  • Vanessa Tani (Rumelange) – Founder of RespectEachOther ASBL, committed to combating bullying and creating spaces for dialogue and support for victims.
  • Grace Walker (Differdange) – Activist for social justice, the fight against precarity and the protection of vulnerable people in Luxembourg.
  • Maria Vorstman (Luxembourg) – Facilitator and creator of storytelling communities, fostering social connection, expression and intercultural understanding.
  • Shashi Bhushan (Luxembourg City) – Volunteer committed to democratic participation, climate action, the fight against food waste and solidarity.
  • Joanne Theisen (Junglinster) – Advocate for autism awareness and diversity, working towards a more inclusive society.
  • George Philippart (Esch-sur-Alzette) – Artist using music creation as a tool for awareness, inclusion and civic expression.
  • Susanna van Tonder (Walferdange) – Advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
  • Clara Moraru (Luxembourg) – Creator of educational tools highlighting inspiring women and the Luxembourgish language as a vehicle for inclusion.
  • Sam Elsey (Schuttrange) – Committed to youth civic and European participation, facilitating fair access to opportunities.
  • Pascale Zaourou (Sandweiler) – Activist for the rights of women, single-parent families and migrants.
  • Hadise Hussaini (Hosingen) – Advocate for women’s rights, Afghan refugee and young leader engaged at national and international level.

The twelve award winners will be featured in the Citizen Awards Luxembourg 2026 calendar, an awareness-raising and inspirational tool aimed at the general public, institutions, schools and civil society actors. Each month will highlight a civic journey, illustrating the diversity of forms of engagement in Luxembourg.

Through this initiative, WECITIZENS aims to promote active citizenship, strengthen links between citizens and institutions, and highlight local initiatives with social impact.