Editorial
In the introduction to our last annual report we explained our 2014 slogan, Turning points – What the Future Holds. The aim was for the foundation to focus more closely on turmoil around the world – both in recent history and at present. Watershed events such as the outbreak of the First World War, the fall of the Wall, and the collapse of the Communist sphere of influence stood at the forefront, as did the digital revolution and socio-political change.
We then witnessed crises with a yet uncertain outcome – but where the events themselves may constitute a turning point. For the first time since the end of the Cold War, Russia is calling the European order of peace into question. Conflict and war are looming ever closer. Along the entire Islamic belt, from Morocco to Afghanistan, tinderboxes are threatening to ignite not just Arab states and adjacent regions. The world has grown restive, andprimarily – though not exclusively – among European democracies the recognition is growing that democracy, freedom, and the rule of law are not eternal and self-evident goods. Instead they must be preserved, protected and in certain circumstances even vigorously defended.
Keeping the bitter experiences of the first half of the 20th century in mind, Konrad Adenauer turned that into a slogan: “Democracy must be experienced.” It must be filled with life so that it can also survive difficult times. People must take an active role in shaping democracy so that it can maintain its appearance as a free, open and viable common good. It needs people to participate, get involved, and take responsibility. Our slogan for the year 2015 reflects that ambition: Show Your Colours – Democracy Needs Democrats.
The Civic Education and Scholarship departments of the foundation play a remarkable role in teaching aboutand training for democracy. Both departments are celebrating anniversaries this year. The Scholarship department has been seeking out and promoting talented individuals for 50 years. For its part, the Civic Education department marks 60 years, making it the same age as the foundation itself – since it was the seed that in 1955 grew into the now globally active Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. So celebrations are definitely in order – but we must not rest on our laurels and just look back. Our mission is to focus the foundation, its projects, and its goals on the future. The battle for democracy – and the commitment this entails – has become more important rather than less. In March 2015 President Joachim Gauck spoke about this goal when he thanked the political foundations for their efforts. He praised them as “pioneers for a tolerant and enlightened cosmopolitan society,” underscoringhis particular respect for those staff who frequently face difficult and even dangerous situations as they try to fulfill “Mission: Democracy!” in many countries around the world.
This annual report again documents a variety of activities, outstanding events, and projects while also underscoring our staff’s high level of professionalism and expertise, as well as their commitment worldwide to democracy, human dignity, freedom and the rule of law. We are certainly most grateful to all of them.
We would also like to thank the supporters of the Friends of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, along with our donors, sponsors, and partners for their assistance which reflects their high level of trust in us. You, dear reader, can find out more about the high quality of our work on the pages that follow. And you can discover much more of what our departments were up to in the year 2014 at our website, www.kas.de.
You can download the full report as pdf.