FES in India

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is a non-profit German foundation committed to the values of democracy and social justice. FES is one of the oldest foundations, in Germany, upholding the principles and ideals of its eponym, Friedrich Ebert, the first democratically elected president of Germany, for over 100 years. The presence of FES extends across more than 100 countries worldwide, engaging in international cooperation and promoting progressive ideas.

Since the 1980s, FES has been active in India. FES supports platforms for discourses, offering nuanced socio-economic analyses, facilitating meaningful debates on national, regional, and global levels. At the India office, the key areas of work include:

• A transformative discourse that examines current mega-trends in India: just energy transition, sustainable urbanisation, and digital economy. FES views these trends through the lens of climate justice and the future of work, seeking sustainable solutions for a greener tomorrow.
• Policies and social reforms by promoting equality and addressing issues pertaining to gender mainstreaming. FES firmly believes that a society's progress can only be measured by the empowerment of all genders.
• The notion of social equality in the context of labour and industrial relations. FES aims to encourage sustainable economic growth while simultaneously advocating decent work opportunities for all.
• Dialogues between India and its regional and global stakeholders to achieve a just and peaceful global system, navigating India’s influence in the world order.

Presently, the core question remains how India’s development can be charted in a way that it becomes a socially balanced, sustainable, and resilient model of development. Digitalisation assumes particular importance in this regard, especially in overcoming economic, ecological, and social conflicts.

Together with political leaders, academics, members of the civil society; and national and international experts, FES endeavours to generate fresh ideas to shape India’s future as well as jointly strive for a better world.