In an increasingly complex world, education is the key to ensuring that people remain capable, active members of society. The world we live in is becoming increasingly information-based; along with globalization, this is presenting both educational institutions and individuals with new challenges. The Bertelsmann Stiftung is dedicated to ensuring that children, adolescents and adults are all capable of making informed life choices for themselves and of assisting others. As a basis for our efforts, we promote best practices from Germany and abroad which make clear that educational systems can embrace both performance and equal opportunity.