The Berghof Foundation is an independent, non-governmental and non-profit organisation that supports efforts to prevent political and social violence, and to achieve sustainable peace through conflict transformation. Established by Professor Georg Zundel in 1971, members of the Zundel family in their roles as shareholders and trustees remain dedicated to the organisation’s long-term development. Based in Germany, the NGO is run by a diverse team working closely with partners in selected regions. An international Board of Trustees supports its work.

Established during the height of the Cold War by Professor Dr. Georg Zundel, the Berghof Foundation can look back at a history of success. Peacebuilding in research, practice and education is now firmly rooted in Germany, with the Foundation having supported hundreds of projects and establishing several institution

Their vision is a world in which people maintain peaceful relations and overcome violence as a means of political and social change. While they consider conflict to be an integral and often necessary part of political and social life, they believe that violence in conflict is not inevitable. They are convinced that protracted violent conflicts can be transformed into sustained collaboration, when spaces for conflict transformation allow drivers of change to prosper and constructively engage with one another.

“Creating space for conflict transformation.” They work with like-minded partners in selected regions to enable conflict stakeholders and actors to develop non-violent responses in the face of conflict-related challenges. In doing so, thye rely on the knowledge, skills and resources available in the areas of conflict research, peace support and peace education. By combining their regional experience with a thematic focus on cutting-edge issues, they aim to be a learning organisation capable of supporting sustained efforts for conflict transformation.