The Union coordinates and represents the collective interests of its member academies, particularly in areas such as international relations and collaborative research.

The Union oversees the Academies Programme, which is one of the largest and most significant humanities and cultural research programs in Germany.

[2] The Union also represents the academies abroad and sends delegates to national and international academic organizations.

Additionally, in cooperation with the Max Weber Foundation, the Union organizes the Humanities in Dialogue series, addressing contemporary issues in science, culture, and society.

Since 2007, the Union has also been a partner in the Stiftung Neue Verantwortung, a think tank dedicated to fostering connections among young academics.