"The fact that Karlheinz Böhm is neither a trained development aid worker nor a political figure with a democratic legitimation – that makes his work even more special. By involving himself as a completely neutral person he has roused other people into action, he has demonstrated the social responsibility of each and every one of us in humanitarian issues. We cannot simply hide behind government aid programmes or existing aid organisations where there is such a blatant need and we, in our affluence, are in a position to make a difference.

Anyone who has seen how the construction of a well relieves a village girl from her toils and drudgery, will appreciate what a difference 1000 wells will make. Anyone who has experienced the helplessness of a young generation without schools or only a mud hut without windows, will appreciate what a difference 140 schools will make. For this reason I think we should give our wholehearted support to this “long-term aid” – a form of help that Karlheinz Böhm was practicing long before politicians made it a buzzword. I am delighted that we are not only celebrating 25 years of Menschen für Menschen today, but that we are also making a pledge together with Almaz Böhm and Menschen für Menschen to take steps to effectively eliminate the problems of poverty in the next 25 years."

Extract from the address of Lord Mayor Christian Ude on the occasion of the ceremony "25 Years of Menschen für Menschen".