The diversity of students, researchers, teaching staff and employees at higher education institutions is a fact of life. This diversity must be managed effectively to enable higher education institutions to make the most of talent in teaching and research, while also promoting social cohesion. Therefore, ensuring inclusion is not just a question of equal opportunities. It also enables institutions to enhance the quality of their teaching, research, and knowledge transfer.

The strategic importance of diversity and equal opportunities from the DAAD's perspective

Participation and inclusion are not just fundamental questions of equal opportunities. These principles are also necessary for promoting science, driving innovation, and strengthening social cohesion. Science and research thrive when qualified, cosmopolitan and internationally-minded individuals contribute different perspectives to shape positive change for our society and our planet through dialogue, which can sometimes be conflicting.

With its second diversity agenda, the DAAD is building on the objectives and measures of the first agenda from 2022, while further elaborating on the DAAD Strategy 2030, which defines diversity as one of three intersecting dimensions necessary for achieving the DAAD’s mission in the fields of funding, networking, and advising. In doing so, the DAAD is guided by the following principles:

• Sustainable solutions to global challenges require a multiplicity of perspectives and inclusion.
• International experiences promote understanding and create a basis for science diplomacy and social cohesion.
• Cosmopolitanism strengthens Germany as a location for academia, science, innovation and business. 

Diversity Agenda 2.0

Building on the DAAD Strategy 2030, the updated Diversity Agenda places particular focus on recruiting talented individuals from previously underrepresented groups for internationalisation, strengthening gender equality and women in leadership positions, gaining relevant knowledge regarding equal opportunities and diversity in international exchange and in dialogue with relevant stakeholders. Moreover, the DAAD aims to support higher education institutions position themselves as places of non-discrimination, democratic participation and cosmopolitanism.

We increase equal opportunities and participation in and with our funding programmes

Equal opportunities and participation are of fundamental importance in shaping global cooperation in higher education and research for the future. Good science and international cooperation thrive on the diversity of perspectives of all students and researchers.

We support our stakeholders with knowledge and advice

Through its own studies and knowledge products, the DAAD is expanding the boundaries of existing knowledge on equal opportunities and inclusion in international exchange in order to support German higher education institutions and other actors in the international scientific community by providing them with expertise, advice and networking opportunities to help them achieve their inclusion goals, based on data and concrete practical examples.

We promote inclusion and enable equal access to international experiences.

The DAAD has established measures to ensure equal access to study, research or practical training opportunities abroad for scholarship holders with disabilities or chronic illnesses, both in the context of individual and project funding. Further information can be found on the DAAD Mobility with Disabilities website.