Their work changes lives, breaks down barriers, and inspires all of Slovakia. The finalists of Roma Spirit 2025 demonstrate that courage, humanity, and determination can bring about real change—in schools, communities, municipalities, and the media.
For 17 years, the prestigious Roma Spirit award has highlighted individuals, organisations, and initiatives that contribute to improving the situation of Roma people and to building a fairer and more cohesive society. Each year, it gives a voice to those who work tirelessly for others and prove that inclusion is not just a vision, but a daily reality.
A total of 163 valid nominations from across Slovakia were submitted to the current edition. The Roma Spirit Preparatory Committee, composed of experts in education, sociology, law, and media, selected 20 outstanding finalists. They are competing for awards in seven categories: Personality, Non-Governmental Organisation, Municipality and City, Company and Employer, Media, Culture, and Act of the Year.
“The Roma Spirit finalists are people and initiatives that truly change lives—not from a position of power, but through conviction and humanity. Their stories show that change is possible when expertise, empathy, and perseverance come together,” said Magdaléna Rothová, Director of the Association for Culture, Education and Communication.
The finalists of Roma Spirit 2025 include athletes, professionals, artists, educators, local governments, and activists whose work connects communities and challenges prejudice. Their initiatives range from educating children from marginalised communities and developing inclusive schools, to supporting vulnerable groups, artistic and cultural creation, and concrete acts of solidarity that bring real change to people’s lives across Slovakia.
The laureates will be selected by the International Expert Jury of Roma Spirit and the Act of the Year Jury, composed of finalists from previous editions. The results will be announced during the ceremonial Roma Spirit 2025 gala evening, which will be broadcast by Slovak Television on 10 December, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.
Roma Spirit 2025 is organised by the Association for Culture, Education and Communication (ACEC), Radio and Television of Slovakia, and the Office of the Plenipotentiary of the Government of the Slovak Republic for Roma Communities. Patronage over the 17th edition has been assumed by the Public Defender of Rights, Róbert Dobrovodský, and the President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini.
More information about all finalists is available at the link below:
