Silver Rose is the annual Award ceremony co-organised by SOLIDAR and its members and the progressive family, with the S&D Group in the European Parliament, the Party of European Socialists (PES), and this year in collaboration with the Foundation of European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). With the Silver Rose Award, we highlight the work of people and organisations that have been fighting for social justice and, with the special award this year, those that have courageously been advancing a just transition. 

For more than 20 years, Silver Rose Awards has been celebrating Civil Society Organisations, Trade Unions and individuals whose extraordinary struggles contribute greatly to social justice and solidarity worldwide. The collectives, movements, activists, and civil society organisations we have awarded for their long-lasting commitment to social justice in their respective communities, often do so at great risk. The Lifetime Achievement Award is our way to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts and struggles in promoting and defending values we hold close to our hearts and that guide our work as progressives every day.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Margot Wallström, former Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister, EU Commissioner, UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict and current chairperson of the Olof Palme International Center.

Margot Wallström is a brave, steadfast, principled, and visionary politician and activist, standing up for her values of feminism, human rights, and inclusive policies that guarantee women’s rights and representation. Across her career within foreign affairs, in the EU Commission and in other areas, Mrs Wallström was able to combine her work with her beliefs, firstly implementing a feminist foreign policy throughout her work as a Foreign Affairs Ministers, fighting for women’s rights in several regions worldwide, and emphasizing the need to recognize the State of Palestine. Her political legacy and life are a source of inspiration, and her commitment to human rights, gender equality, peace, and social justice serves as an inspiration in these challenging times for the kind of political courage, steadfast, and brave political leaders that are desperately needed. 

“It is with pride and gratefulness to those

who are now awarding me the Silver Rose

that I accept and reflect on what has been done

since SOLIDARITY is the principle that we think should be the number one

In a world which is damaged and needs transition that is just

and when so much more is failing – like democracy and trust!

Thank you to the jury and I hope to meet you soon

What an honor this is- I am over the moon!” 

Margot Wallström

The Silver Rose Jury’s Motivation:

“Margot Wallström is a brave, steadfast, principled, and visionary politician and activist. Throughout her political life, she has been fighting for what is right, just, and progressive, be it as part of the Swedish Government, the EU Commission or as a Special Rapporteur for the Secretary General of the United Nations. Often paying a high political price for staying true to her convictions and beliefs.“

Margot Wallström will be awarded the Silver Rose Award for Lifetime Achievement during the ceremony on 11th October 2023 in Brussels.