GABA Honored with the 2025 German American Friendship Award

We are deeply honored and filled with gratitude to share that GABA – the German American Business Association – has been awarded the 2025 German American Friendship Award by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.

This prestigious recognition, issued by German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld in Washington, D.C. and presented by Consul General Andrea Sasse during the Day of German Unity Reception at the Wende Museum in Culver City, celebrates GABA’s dedication to strengthening the bonds between Germany and the United States.

The award honors GABA’s longstanding commitment to fostering transatlantic dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. For over two decades, GABA has built a unique platform where business leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers from both sides of the Atlantic come together to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and shape the future.

The award ceremony took place in a truly festive setting. The reception opened with the live singing of the U.S. and German anthems, followed by a heartfelt speech from Consul General Andrea Sasse, and the presentation of the award to GABA.
In the magnificent gardens of the Wende Museum, guests enjoyed a vibrant taste of Germany – from Bratwurst, Brezeln, Döner, and Spaghetti Eis to German wines and beers – accompanied by German music played by a DJ and beautiful lights illuminating the evening.

We accept this honor with deep appreciation – not only on behalf of GABA as an organization, but in recognition of the dedicated community that makes our mission possible.

To our incredible volunteers, Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and members: this award belongs to you. Your commitment, energy, and passion are the driving force behind everything GABA accomplishes. You are the bridge builders who turn vision into reality.

A heartfelt thank you to Consul General Andrea Sasse and the team at the Consulate General of Germany in Los Angeles for this special recognition, and to Ambassador Jens Hanefeld for honoring GABA with this award.

Together, we will continue to strengthen German American friendship and collaboration across business, technology, innovation, film and culture – building a brighter future across the Atlantic.

(Main featured image by www.maxhaupt.com)