The Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft works to promote a free, open society and its cohesion. Democracy, the social market economy and sustainability are the foundations of such a society. Our work is based on the values that Herrhausen pursued: freedom and responsibility, competition and compassion.

Alfred Herrhausen’s thoughts and actions focused on crossing and overcoming boundaries. In his memory, the Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft makes its own analyses and describes its own viewpoints. We create platforms for discussions and participate in relevant discourse, either by attending events or through our publications and other media activities. We define project-specific goals that deliver visible results

In terms of content, the Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft focuses on the programmes Europe and Cities. In the Europe programme, we work for the continued existence of a peaceful, democratic and united Europe that serves as a model for a liberal world order. In the Cities programme, we look at the dynamics of growing metropolises, and we commit ourselves to effective methods and enable new perspectives on integrative urban planning. A third, more flexible programme is Free Thinking. In addressing relevant questions of our time, our work here shows ways in which our society can be shaped now and in the future, based on Alfred Herrhausen's values and convictions. 

Our work addresses individuals in positions of responsibility: decision makers and future influencers in politics, the economy, media and society - here in Germany and across the world. 

We live in a world of constant upheaval, whether in politics, the economy or thinking. None of the great questions of our time will ever be answered from a monothematic or a purely national point of view. The interdependencies of the modern world oblige us to take on interdisciplinary perspectives, flexible thinking and approaches that go beyond cultural and regional boundaries.

The Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft is an independent, nonprofit organisation, supported by Deutsche Bank. It is part of Deutsche Bank’s social responsibility activities. The Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft does not act as a sponsor but carries out projects on its own or in partnership with other institutions.