Freedom, justice and solidarity are the basic principles underlying the work of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS). The KAS is a political foundation, closely associated with the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU). As co-founder of the CDU and the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Konrad Adenauer (1876-1967) united Christian-social, conservative and liberal traditions. His name is synonymous with the democratic reconstruction of Germany, the firm alignment of foreign policy with the trans-Atlantic community of values, the vision of a unified Europe and an orientation towards the social market economy. His intellectual heritage continues to serve both as our aim as well as our obligation today.

 

In ourEuropean and international cooperation efforts we work for people to be able to live self-determined lives in freedom and dignity. We make a contribution underpinned by values to helping Germany meet its growing responsibilities throughout the world.

 

We encourage people to lend a hand in shaping the future along these lines. With more than 70 offices abroad and projects in over 120 countries, we make a unique contribution to thepromotion of democracy, the rule of law and a social market economy. To foster peace and freedom we encourage a continuous dialog at the national and international levels as well as the exchange between cultures and religions.

 

Human beings in their distinctive dignity and with their rights and responsibilities are at the heart of our work. We are guided by the conviction that human beings are the starting point in the effort to bring about social justice and democratic freedom while promoting sustainable economic activity. By bringing people together who embrace their responsibilities in society, we develop active networks in the political and economic spheres as well as in society itself. The guidance we provide on the basis of our political know-how and knowledge helps to shape the globalization process along more socially equitable, ecologically sustainable and economically efficient lines.

 

We cooperate withgovernmental institutions, political parties, civil society organizations and handpicked elites, building strong partnerships along the way. In particular we seek to intensify political cooperation in the area of development cooperation at the national and international levels on the foundations of our objectives and values. Together with our partners we make a contribution to the creation of an international order that enables every country to develop in freedom and under its own responsibility.

 

Starting from 2007, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung has launched its educational and advisory activities in the Republic of Moldova. Initially, they had been carried out through the KAS Office in Bucharest. In 2009 the Konrad Adenauer Foundation had started its Country Programme for the Republic of Moldova and in November 2009 has inaugurated the KAS Office in Chisinau.

 

Our main activity is based on political education and training of the young people, raising their interest for the political life and political engagement. By organising trainings for the local decision makers, from politics and administration, we promote decentralisation and subsidiarity. The Forum on European Affairs of the KAS, which has been launched in 2008, is contributing to a better understanding of the EU realities by the political decision makers of the Republic of Moldova and also by the general public.

 

The educational activities comprise conferences, seminars and workshops. Our political advisory activity is oriented, especially, towards political parties. In order to promote international dialogue, the KAS invites delegations from the Republic of Moldova to study visits in Germany. Starting with the year 2009 the KAS is offering scholarships to moldovan students, within the Sur-Place Scholarship Programme.

 

The activity of the KAS Office in Chisinau is supported also by events organised by the Regional Rule of Law Programme based in Bucharest and Regional Media Programme based in Sofia.