GIZ

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Broad-based expertise for sustainable development – under one roof

Working efficiently, effectively and in a spirit of partnership, we support people and societies in developing, transition and industrialised countries in shaping their own futures and improving living conditions. This is what the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is all about. Established on 1 January 2011, it brings together under one roof the long-standing expertise of the Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst (DED) gGmbH (German Development Service), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH (German Technical Cooperation) and Inwent – Capacity Building International, Germany. As a federally owned 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.

Making development effective

Our partners want to take responsibility for achieving their own long-term development goals. We support them by offering demand-driven, tailor-made and effective services for sustainable development. We apply a holistic and value-based approach to ensure the participation of all stakeholders. In doing so, we are always guided by our concept of sustainable development. We take account of political, economic, social and ecological dimensions as we support our partners at local, regional, national and international level in negotiating solutions in the broader social context. This is how we drive development.

GIZ operates in many fields, including economic development and employment; governance and democracy; security, reconstruction, peace building and civil conflict transformation; food security, health and basic education; and environmental protection, resource conservation and climate change mitigation. We also provide management and logistical services to help our partners perform their development tasks. In crises we carry out refugee and emergency aid programmes. As part of our development services, we also second technical advisors to partner countries.

We advise our clients and partners on drawing up plans and strategies, place integrated experts and returning experts in partner countries, and promote networking and dialogue among international cooperation actors. Capacity building for partner-country experts is a key component of our services, and we offer our programme participants diverse opportunities to use 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 activities are commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). GIZ also operates on behalf of other German ministries – in particular the Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Environment Ministry and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research – as well as German federal states and municipalities, and public and private sector clients both 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 results-oriented interaction between the development and foreign trade sectors. Our considerable experience with alliances in partner countries and in Germany is a key factor for successful international cooperation, not only in the business, academic and cultural spheres but also in civil society.

The company at a glance

GIZ operates in more than 130 countries worldwide. In Germany we maintain a presence in nearly all the federal states. Our registered offices are in Bonn and Eschborn. GIZ employs approximately 17,000 staff members worldwide, more than 60 % of whom are local personnel. In addition, there are 1,135 technical advisors, 750 integrated and 324 returning experts, 700 local experts in partner organisations and 850 ‘weltwärts’ volunteers. With an estimated turnover of EUR 1.9 billion as at December 2010, GIZ can look to the future with confidence.

On-going projects, implemented by GIZ:

For details of GIZ programs and activities worldwide, please visit GIZ website at