Welcome to the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung!
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is a political foundation active throughout Germany and abroad. Our headquarters are in Berlin where we opened a new event location, the Academy, in 1998, and an office in 2005, which was extended once again by 2019. The majority of KAS employees at the foundation headquarters now work there. Among other things, the Archive for Christian-Democratic Politics is located at Sankt Augustin.
Who We Are
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung developed from the Society for Christian Democratic Educational Work that was founded back in 1955. Since 1964, it has borne the name of the first Federal Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer. We feel bound to Adenauer’s political memory and legacy; his principles serve as our guidelines, mission and commitment. We are therefore politically affiliated with the Christian Democratic Union of Germany, but are financially and organisationally independent. In other words: we fulfil our tasks independently, autonomously and with an open mind. Our services are open to all citizens.
The promotion of liberal democracy and a social market economy, of peace and freedom, transatlantic relations and European unification – this is what the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung stands for.
Similar to other political foundations, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is mostly financed by public funds. As an institution funded by the tax payer with clearly defined tasks both in Germany and abroad, we are aware that our work is expensive yet valuable.
What We Do
With its multifaceted work in Germany, Europe and around the world, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung provides an impetus for further developing and strengthening the Christian democratic movement. We offer current analyses and practical guidance for the challenges of our time; we research historical and political backgrounds; and we share our insights with national and international decision-makers from politics, business and society. As a think tank, we draw up scientific foundations and up-to-date analyses that provide foresight for political action. One of our key competences is the imparting of political education to a broad public. Furthermore, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung supports talented young people and is committed to literature, art and culture.
As a think tank working nationally and internationally, we can draw on an exceptional political network. We tirelessly work on maintaining this position. This implies critically questioning our own actions on a regular basis and make adjustments where necessary. This does not entail following every political trend, but rather keeping an eye on overriding issues. With the three main topics Growth needs Innovation, Freedom needs Security and Democracy needs Participation, it is made clear which topics the Konrad Adenauer Foundation will focus on in the coming years.
The KAS Regional Programme Gulf States
The Regional Programme Gulf States of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung focuses on political, economic, and security developments in the Gulf region. Working with partners across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Yemen, the programme aims to strengthen informed dialogue and cooperation between Germany, Europe and the Gulf.
The Regional Programme provides policy-oriented analysis on key regional and international issues, with particular attention to Gulf foreign policy, regional security dynamics, and the role of Gulf states economic statecraft. Its work also examines socio-economic transformation processes, including diversification strategies shifting the Gulf to post-oil economic models, social change, the role of women and young stakeholders, and energy policy. Through its research and publications, the programme contributes to a better understanding of Gulf perspectives on regional and international challenges, its role as key actors shaping their neighbourhood and global affairs, and the prospects for European-Gulf cooperation. These insights are shared with policymakers, experts, and wider audiences in Germany, Europe and beyond.
To support our analytical work, the Regional Programme convenes platforms for exchange between decision-makers, researchers, and practitioners. This includes seminars, expert workshops and dialogue formats that bring together stakeholders from the Gulf, Europe, and other regions. These exchanges are designed to facilitate discussion on policy-relevant issues and to encourage the development of practical approaches to shared challenges.
The Programme also engages with questions of governance, institutional development, and the role of civil society. It supports initiatives that promote informed civic participation by strengthening understanding of political processes and institutions and facilitating the exchange of ideas on societal and political developments, with a particular focus on youth engagement and practical exposure to governance and policy-making processes.
By combining analysis, dialogue and cooperation, the Regional Programme Gulf States seeks to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the region and to support constructive engagement between the Gulf and Europe.
Learn more about our partners here!
Partners
