She has been the President of the German Adult Education Association (DVV) from 1988 to 2015, and then because of all her achievements became the first Honorary President.

Prof. Süssmuth was an important, well known and highly respected person of public life in Germany. She served as a Federal Minister of Youth, Family, Women and Health, and almost for a decade she was the President of the German Parliament. A State Ceremony will celebrate her life and work.

During her time as Minister, HIV Aids had become a key issue, and she strongly argued against any form of discriminaon. Other areas of her outstanding engagement included gender and women, migration and integration, democracy, human rights and peace.

She studied history and French literature, later for her doctoral studies pedagogy, sociology and psychology. She became a Professor in comparative studies of educaion at the University of Dortmund as well as Director of the Research Institute Women and Society in Hannover before her political career started in the 1980s.

Prof. Süssmuth was a strong advocate of community-based adult learning and education, especially of the German system of Volkshochschulen (folk high schools). She supported their inclusive and integrative functions for the local communties, rural and urban. She called for the acceptance of cultural diversity and saw the Volkshochschulen as instruments for democratic cohesion.

She has been an appreciated supporter of the international work of the Volkhochschulen, and served on the Board of Trustees of DVV International for the last two decades. In recognition of her services, the Rita Süssmuth Award for the International Volkshochschule was established in 2019. The Frankfurt Volkshochschule was awarded in 2025 for their civil engagement and exchange with Sweden; Potsdam for their cooperation with Namibia and their work on colonial heritage.

She was a convinced European, and an advocate for lifelong learning as an instrument for adult education and participation, and international development. She served on committees of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe as well as the International Organization for Migration. In 1997 she was elected President of CONFINTEA V in Hamburg.

Her engagements were highly recognized and rewarded in many ways, including the German Federal Cross of Merit, and several Honorary Doctorates.
May her soul rest in peace.