Pursue the foundation's mission to promote and strengthen democracy by providing political education, political advice as well as international collaboration; be active at the interfaces between political practice, science, the trade union movement, civil society and the economy; foster gifted students and postgraduates from Germany and abroad; preserve the collective memory and historic foundations of Social Democracy and trade unions, and make these accessible to the public.

Listen and build relationships with young people; ignite their passion and create communities where young people are heard, considered and developed; work for society to take young people's opinions and ideas seriously; work with all young people, focusing especially on those living in or at risk of exclusion; believe that everyone can succeed and deserve another chance; give young people the tools to take control of their future by taking advantage of their inner strength and motivation; listen to what is happening and are quick to act; see opportunities where others see problems; be bold enough to dare to create change.

Dedicated to ecumenical matters and the Eastern Churches; promote dialogue between East and West; represent the interests of socially disadvantaged groups and individuals in Eastern Europe.

Be rooted in faith; have a diaconal involvement in the world

Strengthen the role of civil society organisations in order to promote intercultural dialogue, cultural diversity and inclusion at grassroots level within their own countries and across them globally; initiate and promote dialogue and collaboration for increased understanding among cultures and civilisations globally; maintain the identity of original traditions, fostering their impact on the development of mainstream society; strengthen the voice of the Asia Pacific Region in the debate on dialogue and understanding among peoples and cultures; contribute significantly in supporting the work of the UN Alliance of Civilizations; improve relations within and between all cultural, ethnic and religious groups, including all minorities, majorities and migrants in the country, preventing persistent tensions and divides via dialogue globally.

Empower ordinary people at the grassroots level to make unique faith-based contributions to the realization of every child’s right to attain full physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, moral and social development, which can only take place in a caring and protective environment; work to realize these commitments through prayer and action by offering an open space for interfaith dialogue and action; foster respect for and celebration of religious and cultural diversity in all of its work; strive to empower children to develop their spirituality, to live in solidarity and confidence with people of all beliefs and cultures, and to make powerful contributions, as world citizens and stewards of the Earth, to peace and dignity for all; seek partnership with leaders, individuals, and communities, international, national and regional institutions, grassroots organizations, and people of good will everywhere to mobilize the potential of all religions to become a positive transforming force and inviting the solidarity of people from all walks of life.

Builds broad awareness of the central importance of universal principles and shared values as the basis for social cohesion and peacebuilding; develops a multi-sector movement of moral and innovative leaders who work in partnership to address the critical issues of conflict and underdevelopment in communities, nations, and regions; empowers families as the primary means of instilling values and promotes an education culture that fosters character and creativity, to guide youth to become ethical global citizens; builds comprehensive, collaborative models of sustainable community and national development that enable all to achieve fulfillment and material well-being.

Commit to the construction and reconstruction of community infrastructure and social, environmental, cultural and religious institutions; aim to promote collaboration within the society and social, cultural and religious groups and support the co-existence of Christians and Muslims.

Dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Our ministry was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent place to live in dignity and safety.

Foster the democratic and civic education of the German people on the basis of Christianity; promote education, popular and vocational training, including scholarships for students, in particular by opening up access to an academic training for gifted people with the appropriate character; foster the academic sector, especially by means of conducting academic studies; foster international attitudes and understanding between nationalities and to promote European unification, especially by inviting foreign groups and supporting journeys abroad; sponsor cultural aims, especially to promote the preservation and maintenance of cultural works; promote the preservation of monuments; promote development aid.