At the Bertelsmann Stiftung, we work strategically not only to draw attention to critical developments, but also to develop constructive solutions to societal problems. In 2022, we engaged in a wide range of activities that are strengthening democracy and developing it further. For example, we used the Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) to put a spotlight on the dangerous trend towards greater autocracy. At the same time, we had hopeful news to share: Precisely where governments were failing, everyday citizens were impressively demonstrating civic engagement and social solidarity.
Using our model for effective citizen participation and our expertise, we supported the Conference on the Future of Europe in 2022. We also tracked how social cohesion is changing and formulated proposals for improving the policy agenda. Promoting dialogue was also one of the goals of the first US-German Futures Forum, which we organized in November 2022 together with the German Federal Foreign Office and the US State Department.
Even beyond the strengthening of democracy, the foundation was exceptionally active in 2022. For example, given the increasing labor shortage in Germany and the resulting uncertainties, we developed the Job Monitor, a platform that shows which jobs and skills are in demand now and which will be needed in the future. Through our participation in Alliance4Ukraine, we are assisting young people from Ukraine in a number of ways – for example, by helping them receive digital instruction in their native language and thus experience normal life once again.
We have further developed our project activities in all areas and will continue to do so. This includes our programs Education and the Next Generation, Democracy and Social Cohesion, Digitalization and the Common Good, Europe’s Future, Health, Social Market Economies program, and our Center for Sustainable Communities. By joining forces, we want to continue “making things a bit better,” as our founder Reinhard Mohn once said.
In the past year, we made €71 million available for our nonprofit activities. Our 2022 Annual Report provides an overview of the resources we committed to our project work, while providing insights into the issues we are addressing at the foundation.
If you would like more detailed information about specific topics or projects, please feel free to contact our experts directly. We look forward to hearing from you!
