FES - History and Objectives

http://www.fes.or.kr

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung or FES was founded in 1925 as a political legacy of Germany's first democratically elected president, Friedrich Ebert, who died in that year. Ebert, a Social Democrat of humble origin, had risen to hold the highest office in his country despite considerable opposition from the undemocratic political elite. He assumed the burden of the presidency in a country which was crisis ridden following its defeat in World War I. His own personal experience led him to propose the establishment of a foundation with a threefold aim:

furthering a democratic, pluralistic political culture by means of political    education for all classes of society,
facilitating access to higher education for gifted young people by     providing scholarships,
contributing to international cooperation wherever possible to avert a        fresh outbreak of war and conflict.

The Foundation, which was immediately banned by the Nazis in 1933 and not reestablished until 1947 after World War II, continues today to pursue those aims and has developed extensive programs in each of the above areas. Today the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is a political non-profit making, public-interest institution committed to the principles and basic values of social democracy in its educational and policy-orientated work.

In its work in Germany the Foundation focuses on political education towards enabling the people of the Federal Republic of Germany and its organizations to determine the future of their own society and be actively involved in the democratic political process. Activities in six educational centers and twelve regional offices in all major parts of Germany are important in this respect and contribute as well to the social integration of East and West Germany. In its educational work the FES cooperates with the German Trade Union movement and many other civil society organizations like women's associations, environmental organizations, church organizations, members of local government, development policy groups, and universities.

Another important activity is future-oriented research work, analyzing the economic, social and political problems in Germany and Europe, with a particular emphasis on problems in connection with the German unification process. Through its research projects and symposia, workshops and other forms of exchange of ideas, the Foundation annually attracts thousands of experts from economic and political life, public administration, the trade unions, the academic world and the media.

A well-known feature of the Foundation's activity is the support to students and young post-graduates with outstanding academic qualifications from Germany and abroad for whom an academic education is an expression of their commitment to society, democracy and the country, and not only a first step to a successful career.

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