Acclaimed author and global thought leader, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is scheduled to receive the inaugural Felix Jud Prize for Defiant Thinking in recognition of her literary achievements and commitment to equality and human rights. 
 
According to a statement, the award ceremony will take place during the 15th edition of the Harbourfront Literature Festival at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Germany, slated for September 20, 2025.
 
The Felix Jud Prize for Defiant Thinking is a prestigious German award seeking to honour individuals from the fields of literature, art, and culture who, through their work, have made significant contributions to strengthening resistant thinking, humanity, freedom, a culture of debate, and freedom of expression.
 
Already recognised as one of the most significant voices in contemporary literature, Adichie was selected to be the first recipient of the award by a jury, including Reinhold Beckmann, Robert Eberhardt, Jonathan Landgrebe, Jo Lendle, Joachim Lux, André Schmitz, Jette Steckel, and Nicola Verstl.
 
Adichie, who recently turned 48, embodies the values the prize seeks to celebrate. Her powerful voice and influence have transcended literary boundaries, reaching a global audience through her impactful TED talks and her contributions to music, fashion and culture. Notably, her writing and speeches have been sampled by artists like Beyoncé, and she has inspired a new generation of designers and creatives to explore themes of identity and cultural heritage.