Welcome to FES Australia & New Zealand

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Two images: on the left, New Zealand’s Beehive Parliament building; on the right, Australia’s Parliament House. — Creator: istockphoto | Mlenny / istockphoto | jasonbennee

About FES Australia & New Zealand

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is a non-profit German political foundation committed to the advancement of public policy through education, research, and international cooperation. Since its foundation in 1925, FES has borne the name of Friedrich Ebert, the first democratically elected President of Germany (1919 – 1925). Through its core values – freedom, justice and solidarity – FES is firmly anchored in social democracy and in the trade union movement.

An FES representation commenced operations in Canberra in 2025 and covers activities in Australia and New Zealand. The key objectives are to build networks improving the exchange between Germany, Australia and New Zealand on questions concerning current geopolitical trends, on the issue of safeguarding democratic processes and institutions in challenging times, and around climate change and the future of work in an age of rapid economic change and a just and ecologically sound transformation.

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Latest Activities

Discussing current German politics in Wellington — Creator: CSS / Mengdi Zhang

Peace and Security
Activities

Monday, 01.12.2025

Discussing German politics at CSS in Wellington

In a rapidly changing global landscape, closer exchange among like-minded democracies is of the essence. Discussing current German political affairs at the Center for Strategic Studies in Wellington provided an opportunity.

Head of the International Cooperation Division, Michael Meier, spoke of FES’ engagement for defending democratic resilience globally — Creator: FES ANZ

Strengthening Democracy
Activities

Monday, 17.11.2025

“Democracy Reimagined” - Conference in Canberra

Strengthening the resilience of democratic institutions and processes must go hand in hand with efforts to renew the franchise and to re-establish the purpose of democratic deliberation in changing circumstances.

Jürgen Coße MdB addressing the participants of Democracy Reimagined — Creator: FES ANZ / David Beach

Strengthening Democracy
Activities

Sunday, 16.11.2025

Scoping the potential for social democratic cooperation

FES’ international work depends crucially on a close exchange with our partner organizations. Following the opening of the FES office in Canberra in 2025, a visit from Berlin allowed us to deepen those conversations.

Members of the panel discussing industrial policy with German and Australian unionists in Sydney — Creator: IG Metall / Franziska Linhart

Shaping a Just Transition
Activities

Monday, 03.11.2025

Panel discussion on Industrial Policy

Australia has the potential to become a Renewable Energy Superpower, but the transition towards Net Zero will be easier when workers and affected communities can participate in shaping the change.

United Nations Security Council Chamber at UN Headquarters, a large conference room with a circular seating arrangement and a mural covering the back wall — Creator: istockphoto | Murat Kucukkarakasli

Working for Peace and Security

As the global rules-based order founded on international law comes under increasing strain, the need for international exchange grows.

Large crowd of protesters marching down a city street in Melbourne, holding signs about climate action and social justice — Creator: istockphoto | FiledIMAGE

Strengthening Democracy

Political discourse in democratic societies has changed substantially over the last decades.

Three technicians in safety helmets and high-visibility workwear walking beside rows of solar panels at a solar farm — Creator: istockphoto | Thurtell

Shaping a Just Transition

The growing threat of climate change and the need to transition to sustainable energy production and use are evident, and efforts towards these objectives have become an integral part of industrial and trade policy settings the world over.