The mathematical tradition in Germany is linked to the International Congresses. At the second one in Paris David Hilbert presented his famous list of problems, the third one was in Heidelberg in 1904. Since then the Congress was not held in Germany. They did not succeed for understandable reasons. Now we want to try again.
Berlin has a long mathematical tradition.
The exodus of mathematicians from Berlin because of the Nazi terror was dramatic and tragic. Richard von Mises, John von Neumann, Issai Schur and many others left. After World War II the city was divided and the development of mathematics had to overcome many difficulties. Many Berlin mathematicians are eager to help to make the congress a success. Already now the necessary facilities, assembly halls, lecture rooms, hotels are reserved.