Democracy

Strengthening democracy and promoting human rights are central objectives of Germany’s development policy. GIZ helps its partners to establish democratic systems and network all civil society actors. Together we find solutions to political, economic and societal challenges.

Eine Frau mit schulterlangem blondem Haar trägt eine farbenfrohe Bluse mit abstraktem Muster und spricht auf einer Veranstaltung in Brüssel an einem Rednerpult mit einem Mikrofon in der Hand.

GIZ/Alun Foster

‘GIZ’s expertise is incredibly valuable’

Hildegard Bentele, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Development, talks about learning from crises, the EU’s place in the current geopolitical rivalry and what GIZ offers in international cooperation.

Ein lachender Mann in einer militärischen Tarnuniform mit Namensschild „A. Stirnimann“ steht neben einer Frau in einem roten Shirt vor einer modernen blauen Gebäudestruktur.

Peacekeeping Training Centre: securing peace is only possible together

GIZ Component Manager Teresa Krafft and Swiss Colonel André Stirnimann report on their work at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Ghana.

Ein Mann mit langem Bart und zurückgekämmtem Haar trägt ein blau-weiß kariertes Hemd und lächelt leicht vor einem grünen, bewachsenen Hintergrund.

Hello from Germany

My name is Matthias Militzer. I returned to Germany at the end of last year, having spent many exciting years working as a GIZ risk manager in Afghanistan and South Sudan.

Nahaufnahme eines Kindes mit schwarzen Streifenmustern im Gesicht, das zur Seite blickt, mit verschwommenem Hintergrund.

Estevam Costa/PR

‘After COP29, the world is now looking ahead to Brazil’

The COP29 UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan ended with relatively little to show in the way of progress. In an interview with akzente, Jörg Linke, Head of GIZ’s Competence Centre for Climate Change, explains why hopes are now turning to COP30 next year in Belém.

UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner in Ukraine.

Andriy Krepkykh/UNDP Ukraine

‘The SDGs are the best way to avert an apocalyptic future’

An interview with Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UN Development Programme, about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in unsettled times

dpa

Ana Revenco: ‘Information manipulation and interference are undermining our democracies’

How is Moldova countering the threat posed by complex disinformation and foreign influence campaigns? Former Minister of Internal Affairs in Moldova Ana Revenco shares some insights into strategies and examples of international cooperation.

Natalia Romero Mora and María José Rodríguez Escobar

Hello from La Libertad

María José Rodríguez Escobar and Natalia Romero Mora bundle public relations work in Central America so that the region speaks more strongly with one voice.

Nisreen Elsaim

‘Climate change won’t wait until the war is over’

In this akzente interview, the Sudanese climate activist Nisreen Elsaim reports how she was forced to flee her home and how she continues to fight for climate justice.

Gaby Gerster

Ukraine Recovery Conference: a sign of solidarity

In the run-up to the Ukraine Recovery Conference, GIZ Managing Director Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven talks about her recent visit to Ukraine and the outstanding commitment of the GIZ team there.

German-Ukrainian city partnership: a strong connection

How a city partnership is providing rapid support to Ukraine thanks to the decades-long work of a non-profit foundation. A visit to northern Germany.

‘We provide direct and unbureaucratic support’

German cities, districts and local authorities are supporting their Ukrainian partner municipalities with civil protection and reconstruction. GIZ project manager Maria König explains how this works.

GIZ/Iris Felicia Haidau

‘Investment in our common future’

Heidy Rombouts, Director General of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, in an interview on Belgium’s EU Council Presidency