GIZ is shaping the future – internationally and for Germany

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH works with and on behalf of its partners to bring about lasting prosperity, peace and security worldwide – including in Germany. Chair of the GIZ Management Board Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel highlighted this connection at the federal enterprise's annual press conference. Schäfer-Gümbel: ‘The political situation around the globe is changing, and so too is international cooperation. The focus is increasingly on achieving shared interests, whether that be with the European Union, the United Nations, civil society, the scientific and academic community or, to a growing extent, with the private sector.’ International cooperation services achieved results in Germany. They ensure security and prosperity, jobs, urgently needed skilled labour, energy security and raw materials. GIZ opens doors even in challenging environments, he said, supporting people and countries in realising their potential. He added that this is also an effective tool for implementing German viewpoints and economic interests.

Viable partnerships developed over decades

Schäfer-Gümbel stressed that GIZ had developed viable partnerships over decades systematically on behalf of the German Government. Schäfer-Gümbel: ‘We can only achieve change by working together. Pooling our strengths benefits everyone.’ This was underlined by Niels Annen, Chair of the GIZ Supervisory Board and State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). ‘In a time of global upheaval, Germany is now more reliant than ever on diverse and stable partnerships. These are precisely what German development policy creates by building strong relationships worldwide, tackling major global challenges and acting in a spirit of solidarity to assist people in need. Germany is, and will remain, a reliable and globally-minded partner.’ He continued: ‘In GIZ, German development cooperation has the support of a highly experienced, well-connected and globally respected player.’

GIZ’s business volume was EUR 3.96 billion in 2024. With commissions of EUR 3.2 billion, including cofinancing, its main commissioning party was BMZ. Last year, 24,530 people from 153 different countries worked for GIZ. Two thirds are national staff (16,221).

You can find the Integrated Company Report 2024, which contains these figures and information and more, at https://reporting.giz.de/2024/index.html