Broad-based expertise for sustainable development
The services delivered by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH draw on a wealth of regional and technical expertise and tried and tested management know-how. As a federal enterprise, we support the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. We are also engaged in international education work around the globe.
Tailored services
We offer demand-driven, tailor-made and effective services for sustainable development. To ensure the participation of all stakeholders, we apply a holistic approach based on the values and principles upheld in German society. This is how we facilitate change and empower people to take ownership of their own sustainable development processes. In doing this, we are always guided by the concept of sustainable development, and take account of political, economic, social and ecological factors. We support our partners at local, regional, national and international level in designing strategies and meeting their policy goals.
Developing solutions
GIZ operates in many fields: economic development and employment promotion; governance and democracy; security, reconstruction, peacebuilding and civil conflict transformation; food security, health and basic education; and environmental protection, resource conservation and climate change mitigation. We also support our partners with management and logistical services, and act as an intermediary, balancing diverse interests in sensitive contexts. In crises, we carry out refugee and emergency aid programmes. As part of our services, we also second development advisors to partner countries.
Through programmes for integrated and returning experts, we place managers and specialist personnel in key positions in partner countries. We also promote networking and dialogue among actors in international cooperation. Capacity development for partner-country experts is a major component of our services, and we offer our programme participants diverse opportunities to benefit from the contacts they have made. We also give young people a chance to gain professional experience around the world – exchange programmes for young professionals lay the foundations for successful careers in national and international markets.
Who we work for
Most of our work is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. GIZ also operates on behalf of other German ministries – including the Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the Federal Ministry of Defence, the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research – as well as German states and municipalities, and public and private sector clients in Germany and abroad. These include the governments of other countries, the European Commission, the United Nations and the World Bank. We work closely with the private sector and promote synergies between the development and foreign trade sectors. Our considerable experience with networks in partner countries and in Germany is a key factor for successful international cooperation, not only in the business, research and cultural spheres, but also in civil society.
Global reach – the company at a glance
GIZ operates throughout Germany and in more than 130 countries worldwide. Our registered offices are in Bonn and Eschborn. We have more than 17,000 staff across the globe, some 70 per cent of whom are employed locally as national personnel. There are also around 1,000 development advisors working for GIZ. In addition, CIM – which is jointly run by GIZ and the German Federal Employment Agency – places experts with local employers. At the end of 2011, almost 600 integrated experts had employment contracts with organisations and companies in the field, while 450 returning experts were receiving financial support and advice. Last year just under 500 young people were assigned abroad through the ‘weltwärts with GIZ’ programme. At year-end GIZ’s business volume stood at around EUR 2 billion. (Figures as at 31 December 2011)
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