Message from the Chair
Dear readers,
International cooperation is navigating a period of significant upheaval. Decades-long alliances are being called into question and are reshaping the rules-based international order, while the United Nations’ capacity to act is under direct threat. This is happening at a time of enormous global challenges: war and conflict – above all Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine –, the catastrophic situation in the Middle East, the escalating effects of climate change and increasing social inequality.
Now more than ever, it is therefore vital that German international cooperation is, and continues to be, a reliable partner in the world. More international cooperation is needed, not less. Now is the time for us to build stable global partnerships and to maintain and strengthen them.
GIZ forms a key pillar of Germany’s international cooperation. As an implementing organisation, it supports the German Government in carrying out its values-driven development policy. Through partner-oriented and context-based advice, innovative and integrated solutions, and new alliances and partnerships, GIZ’s work on behalf of the German Government has been promoting sustainable development worldwide for 50 years.
“Now is the time for us to build stable global partnerships and to maintain and strengthen them.”
Successful development cooperation requires more than simply identifying the right issues. It is just as important to consider what form cooperation takes, what approaches need to be adopted to address challenges and how best to encounter partners. Encounter, create, transform – these three terms sum up GIZ’s approach to technical cooperation.
Our development cooperation is rooted in partnership. We strive to encounter partners on an equal footing, with both sides benefiting and both sides carrying rights and obligations.
GIZ’s projects are created in conjunction with our partners. Both sides take responsibility and contribute expertise and resources to project implementation. This allows us to design innovative projects that are tailored to the local context and that enable our partners to take ownership of shaping sustainable development.
A collaborative, partnership-based approach paves the way for positive transformation. Technical cooperation focuses on lasting structural change that will also benefit future generations. Development needs to be sustainable.
By ensuring that the partner’s perspective, global goods and German interests are taken into account in political action, German development policy stands in clear contrast to policy focused solely on self-interest, which is currently gaining in popularity in many countries. This way of working reflects the shared commitment of GIZ and its staff, who strive to improve the living conditions of people around the world and thus contribute to strengthening partnerships as a key foundation of Germany’s future viability. I would like to thank them sincerely for all their hard work.
The Integrated Company Report 2024 clearly shows how GIZ is working with its commissioning parties and partners to respond to global challenges with effective solutions for sustainable development. The report also provides financial information and relevant indicators on GIZ’s corporate development.
I would like to extend special thanks to my predecessor, State Secretary Jochen Flasbarth, who demonstrated strong leadership, dedication and a deep sense of responsibility as Chair of the Supervisory Board in fiscal year 2024.
Best regards,
