Šimon Pánek awarded the Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk
Published: Oct 29, 2025 Reading time: 2 minutes Share: Share an articleOn the occasion of the Independent Czechoslovak State Day, October 28, President Petr Pavel awarded Šimon Pánek, our co-founder and long-time director, with the Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk in recognition of his work.
The President of the Republic awarded the Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, 3rd class, to Šimon Pánek "for outstanding contributions to the development of democracy, humanity, and human rights."
"Active citizens are the foundation of our democracy," said President Petr Pavel
In his speech, President Petr Pavel emphasised the role of an active civil society: "Active citizens are the foundation of our democracy, positively influencing areas where state institutions or the market are not as effective."
In conclusion, President Pavel expressed his respect for all the recipients of the award: "Each of them deserves respect and admiration. They have managed to serve something higher than themselves, not for a single moment or a single term of office, but throughout their entire lives. They show that perseverance, effort, courage, humanity, and humility are not outdated virtues. That we have someone to follow and someone to inspire us."
