Arbeiterwohlfahrt International was founded in 1998 as the professional association of the Workers Welfare Organisation Arbeiterwohlfahrt. In 2005 Arbeiterwohlfahrt International also took over the development-cooperation projects from Arbeiterwohlfahrt.

The association today works in partnership with local organisations in Asia and Latin America. In this respect Arbeiterwohlfahrt International relies on the expertise of the Arbeiterwohlfahrt, which with a 90-year history, its diverse social facilities and political lobbying is one of the most important welfare organisations in Germany.

The Arbeiterwohlfahrt International professional association bundles and networks the diverse international activities of many Arbeiterwohlfahrt structures and is an important development-policy initiator and contact partner for about 400,000 Arbeiterwohlfahrt members.

Humanitarian aid in cases of disaster is a further important focus. Immediate relief is only given where professional partner organisations of many years standing can ensure that relief is reliably provided.

Examples of immediate humanitarian relief!

* Hurricanes in Cuba in 2008
* Earthquake in Peru in 2007
* Flood in Mexico in 2007
* Flood in North India in 2007