We have been internationally committed to democracy, the rule of law, multilateralism, climate protection and the social market economy for six decades.

First international projects in the shadow of the Cold War

Our long-standing and diverse international engagement began in the 1960s. In the early years, the focus of our international work lay on the cooperation with Christian trade unions in Latin America. In Asia, the Vietnam War shaped the development of an entire region. In view of this political situation, KAS could only cautiously stretch out its feelers. In South-East Asia, too, the cooperation with Christian trade unions laid the foundation for further projects in the Philippines.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

The beginnings of our international involvement are in Latin America. Shown here: Chancellor Konrad Adenauer in 1962 with the former President of Venezuela, Rafael Caldera.

Despite challenging conditions, KAS also made its first steps in Africa, when the Foundation celebrated its first two office openings in Cameroon and Tanzania. On the continent, where the colonial era had for the most part only just ended, high hopes where centred on the national independence movements. These, however, could only rarely be fulfilled.

The 1970s and 1980s were characterised by a geographical expansion of our work in Europe and North America. The central goal was expanding the transatlantic community of values, and thus, intensifying relations between EU and NATO partners.

The fall of the Iron Curtain brought a whole range of new opportunities for the Foundation’s work in South-Eastern Europe. The Foundation has helped the ten countries of Central and Eastern Europe that have joined the EU overcome the hurdles on the way to EU accession by providing political advice and educational assistance.

Facing global challenges together

In the meantime, our worldwide network has grown to more than 100 offices in over 80 countries on all continents. Development policy issues can no longer be viewed in isolation from issues of foreign and security policy, economic policy, or environmental policy.

In the third decade of the 21st century, the COVID pandemic has shown how closely interconnected the world is and that the vital issues of our day can only be tackled through collective action. Climate change, international terrorism, ongoing migration movements, failing states, resource conflicts and, unfortunately, after decades of peace, a war­ on European soil, make cross-border cooperation and multilateralism more important today than ever before.

The world today is fundamentally different from that of 60 years ago. The task of developing a political, social, and economic order based on human dignity in all parts of the world remains, even if it is being advanced in ever new forms.

In our national and international work we address these pressing issues that will define our future.

Learn more about our work abroad and our worldwide office network