Mission Statement

"Inspiring people. Shaping the future. Participating in an globalized world." This motto summarizes the work carried out by the Bertelsmann Stiftung. Effective participation in society requires both the ability to act and the opportunity to do so. The Bertelsmann Stiftung's programs are designed to strengthen society by helping individuals realize their full potential, and to further develop the systems necessary to achieve this goal.

Germany is facing enormous challenges resulting from globalization, demographic change, cultural diversity and the country's transition to a modern, knowledge based society. Through our programs, we seek to provide people with the knowledge and skills they need to participate economically, politically and culturally - in our increasingly complex and interconnected world. In short, our work focuses on the individual.