Bonn, 25 June 2014. The recent political conflict with Russia and Ukraine indicates how completely views diverge when it comes to matters of politics, history and the future of Europe. With its ability to establish common ground in tense situations, academic exchange is an important and often underrated instrument of ''soft diplomacy''. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) introduces a new strategy for Russia and Eastern Europe, with which it aims to continue strengthening civil dialogue in the future.

Bonn, 25 June 2014. Sub-Saharan Africa is in a critical phase. Positive economic data indicate that an upswing is underway, yet it is threatened by a dire need for education. Schools and universities are simply unable to meet the demands of a growing population. There is significant danger that economic and political opportunities will go unused. In its new strategy for Africa, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) regards top-performing universities as essential for a functioning educational system and sustainable development.

Bonn, 7 February 2013. On 5 February 2013, the Executive Committee of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) adopted its Strategy 2020, outlining the future objectives of the DAAD: scholarships for the best German and international students, academics, and researchers, enabling them to study and research abroad and creating structures to boost internationalisation efforts at Germany’s higher education institutions. The focus is also on expanding and supporting expertise on knowledge systems worldwide that is made available for international cooperation. The DAAD hence seeks to further strengthen the competitiveness of Germany as a high-quality centre of science and learning.

Bonn, 1 February 2013. German higher education institutions can receive up to € 250,000 per year from a new DAAD programme aimed at strengthening their international profile. A first selection round has produced 21 projects which will be funded for a maximum of four years. The programme supports these projects in building up strategic partnerships and thematic networks with foreign universities. Higher education institutions from 29 countries are involved in the selected projects. The USA and China are particularly well represented. The programme ''Strategic Partnerships and Thematic Networks'' is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education, which is providing almost € 3,000,000 in the first year alone.