Encounter and understanding

Our support

Would you like to organise an exchange project or establish new contacts with partner organisations in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, Central Asia or the Baltic States? We support your projects!

The West-Eastern Encounters Foundation supports youth encounters, cooperation between initiatives and associations, school projects and much more, whether it’s a climate workshop, history workshop, concert, meeting or sporting event.

We advise those seeking funding on how to plan their encounter programmes sustainably and apply for funding.

Find out more now and apply for funding.

Our Blog

Notice on Telephone Availability

Notice on Telephone Availability

The main phone line of the West-Eastern Encounters Foundation is currently only partially available. In the meantime, you can also reach us on mobile at +49 1512 9503173.

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Leipzig-Yerevan Cultural Year

Leipzig-Yerevan Cultural Year

In 2026, the West-Eastern Encounters Foundation will be focusing on Armenia as a key priority. The year will commence with the launch of the Leipzig-Yerevan Cultural Year, which will be accompanied by a series of events throughout 2026.

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Looking at Central Asia – and Back

Looking at Central Asia – and Back

We invite you to Lutherstadt Wittenberg from October 10–12, 2025, to explore the political, social, and cultural diversity of Central Asia. The focus will be on Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan – their self-images, external perceptions, and the different perspectives on the region.

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Our mission

The West-Eastern Encounters Foundation promotes encounters between civil societies in Germany and the following countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. The Foundation also develops its own formats and projects in collaboration with partners at home and abroad. More.

Our initiatives

The West-Eastern Encounters Foundation is a sponsor and is also active with its own formats and collaborations. We organise seminars, conferences and individual events to bring together people with an interest in and commitment to the subject to exchange ideas. Our goal is to strengthen networks, promote dialogue, and develop sustainable long-term cooperation. More.

Our statements on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

The invasion by Russian troops is bringing suffering and violence to the Ukrainian people. It is threatening international understanding and cooperation for the foreseeable future. We stand in solidarity with those affected and call for a return to the negotiating table.
Read the full statement here.

The foundation is a member of the Federal Association of German Foundations.

The foundation supports the principles of good foundation practice.

Stiftung West-Östliche Begegnungen | Nicolaihaus | Brüderstr. 13 | 10178 Berlin | Germany
Tel.: +49 30 2044840 | Mob.: +49 1512 9503173 | Fax: +49 30 20647646 | Email: info@stiftung-woeb.de
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