Fostering democracy and upholding human rights, taking action to prevent the destruction of the global ecosystem, advancing equality between women and men, securing peace through conflict prevention in crisis zones, and defending the freedom of individuals against excessive state and economic power – these are the objectives that drive the ideas and actions of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung. We maintain close ties to the German Green Party (Alliance 90/The Greens) and as a think tank for green visions and projects, we are part of an international network encompassing partner projects in approximately 60 countries. The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung works independently and nurtures a spirit of intellectual openness. We currently maintain a worldwide network with 32 international ofces. We cooperate closely with 16 state¬level Böll Foundations in each of Germany's federal states, and we support talented, socio¬politically engaged undergraduate and graduate students in Germany and abroad. We gladly follow Heinrich Böll's exhortation for citizens to get involved in politics, and we want to inspire others to do the same.