Christian Democratic development policy advocates for the promotion of decent living conditions worldwide and promotes sustainable and self-determined development. International solidarity and the aim of helping people to help themselves are the central guiding principles in this regard. Development policy therefore also includes efforts to improve global economic frameworks for the benefit of developing countries, to promote the principles of the social market economy on a global scale and to foster rule of law and strong institutions. Strengthening political participation, intercultural dialogue, preservation of our environment and equal rights for women are particular focal points of the foundation's work.

For more than 50 years, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has been working to improve the political framework in developing countries in order to promote democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights. Close cooperation with local partners is central to the foundation's work.

Since 2015, the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides the global framework for sustainable development to which all UN member states have committed themselves. In 17 goals and 169 sub-goals, it points the way toward socially, economically and ecologically sustainable development worldwide and maps the numerous interdependencies of these objectives. In accordance with the principle of universality, industrialized, emerging and developing countries as well as the private sector, civil society and individuals are called upon to work towards achieving the goals. The 2030 Agenda is an important guideline for German development policy.