Conserving natural resources is a basic requirement for sustainable development and improving the quality of human life. To reverse the trend towards resource degradation, we need to give greater priority to ecological principles.

Economic growth is a fundamental requirement for the development of a country. For companies to invest and an economy to grow, stable environments, efficient institutions, functioning markets and access to sustainable financial services are all required. GIZ assists its partner countries in improving their economic framework conditions, removing bureaucratic obstacles and establishing suitable promotional structures.

A peaceful and productive society is based on effective state institutions. Good governance in this sense means effective and efficient structures which provide optimal support to citizens in leading a safe and productive life in line with their desires and opportunities. Essentially, this involves a combination of democracy, the social welfare state and the rule of law.

In many developing countries, food security and rural development are ongoing challenges. Most poor people in the world live in rural regions. Based on years of experience and comprehensive know-how, GIZ offers regionally adapted strategies to secure the right to food and make rural development a driver for economic takeoff.

Violent conflicts and natural disasters threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. We support our partners in alleviating the structural causes of violent conflict and developing capacities for peaceful conflict transformation.

A peaceful society worth living in is based on basic social policy values, such as equality of opportunity, solidarity and participation. Long term social policy investments in society promote sustainable development and economic growth. Education, health and social protection systems provide people with an opportunity to develop from their own resources and live independently. More – education and health are human rights.

The importance of infrastructure is often only recognized when it is lacking. Infrastructure enables an economic upturn and therefore provides an important basis for better living conditions. Water, energy and transport are the source, carrier and motor of development.