Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening featuring the presentation of the Global Unity Award.
Stay tuned for more details on this premier German event in Washington D.C.!
Date March 29, 2025
Location Four Seasons Hotel, Washington D.C.
Theme Bridging Cultures, Building Futures
AttireBlack-Tie optional
The WunderbarTogether Gala celebrates the remarkable partnership between Germany and the U.S., reflecting the spirit of the WunderbarTogether Campaign initiated by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by the Goethe-Institut in 2018. This campaign highlighted the strong transatlantic relationship by fostering dialogue and collaboration across cultural, economic, and educational spheres. From 2018 to 2019, it organized over 2,800 events across all 50 states, engaging more than 500 partners to promote mutual understanding and partnership. Today, "WunderbarTogether" symbolizes the enduring connection between Germany and America.
The German International School Washington D.C. is honored to host the gala that embodies the campaign's spirit of international collaboration and education.
Andreas Michaelis has been Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United States since August 2023. Before he was State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin from. January 2022 until July 2023. Previously, he served as Ambassador to the United Kingdom and before that as State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin.
Andreas Michaelis joined the German Foreign Service in 1989. He served as Private Secretary to the Minister of State at the Foreign Office, at the Embassy in Tel Aviv, and subsequently held several positions in Bonn and Berlin including Spokesman of the Federal Foreign Office. Michaelis then served as Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore, as Director for Asian and Pacific Affairs and as Director for Near and Middle Eastern Affairs and North Africa at the Foreign Office, before being appointed Ambassador to the State of Israel and then Political Director of the Federal Foreign Office.
Andreas Michaelis studied Political Sciences and Philosophy at the Universities of Hannover and Oxford.
Mikko is an airline professional with nearly 25 years of experience, spanning two airlines. He has also gained valuable insight while holding a Board position with Amadeus Finland and part of the advisor committee to Visit Finland. The majority of his career has been with the passenger business of an airline, in management positions in both Sales, Distribution and Revenue Management. He extended his airline experience by leading an airline cargo sales team for a good four years. He has been a spokesman for the airlines for two decades and has been involved in a multitude of public speaking events throughout his career.
Over the past decade, Mikko has contributed to the airlines’ strategy work, as well as a key figure in the implementation of strategy. He strongly believes change is for the good of a company and has put a lot in understanding change management. He is happily married for over 20 years, a proud father to three children, and enjoys the company of the black labrador, Zola.
Haddaway is best known for his 1993 hit single “What Is Love,” which topped the charts in 13 countries and reached the top 10 in many others, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Haddaway’s big break came when he signed with Coconut Records in 1992. The song “What Is Love” became a defining track of the 1990s dance music scene and remains a beloved classic.
Haddaway continued to be active in the music industry, performing at major festivals and events worldwide. In 2024 he released “Lift Your Head Up,” an 80s influenced dance track which is possibly a precursor to another full-length album.
Haddaway is known for his charismatic stage presence and dedication to his craft. He continues to live in Europe and enjoys connecting with fans through his music and consistent touring.
The theme of our gala, "Bridging Cultures, Building Futures," underscores the importance of fostering connections across cultural divides to create a better future for all. This theme captures two key elements:
Emphasizes the necessity of understanding, respecting, and celebrating cultural differences. It reflects our efforts to create meaningful connections between people from diverse backgrounds, promoting empathy, tolerance, and collaboration. By bridging cultures, we aim to overcome barriers and build a more inclusive world.
Focuses on the long-term benefits of cultural exchange and international collaboration. By investing in these relationships today, we lay the groundwork for a more peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected future. This involves creating opportunities for future generations to thrive in a world where cross-cultural understanding and cooperation are the norms.
For partnership and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at giving@giswashington.org. We look forward to the possibility of working together to make this gala a resounding success.
Additional exclusive sponsorship opportunities are available.
Please contact giving@giswashington.org for more information.
As the premier German event of the season in Washington D.C., the WunderbarTogether Gala offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and promote the vibrant cultural and educational ties between Germany and the United States. We invite you to be a part of this extraordinary evening.
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening featuring the presentation of the Global Unity Award to Mikko Turtiainen, Director of Sales at Condor Airlines, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to fostering international connections.
Stay tuned for more details on this premier German event in Washington D.C.!
For partnership and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at giving@giswashington.org.
We look forward to celebrating with you!