Message from the Chair of the Supervisory Board for the GIZ Integrated Company Report 2025
2025 was defined by major ruptures at the international level, the consequences of which are still unfolding. The fundamental realignment of US foreign policy stood out in particular. With growing geopolitical tensions, open disregard for international law, increasing conflicts and autocratic tendencies, the emerging question is what status international cooperation can still have for sustainable development. Can we still afford to have solidarity with the Global South? Must the fight against poverty, inequality and climate change take second place to the massive security and foreign policy challenges we face?
The German Government’s answer to these issues is clear: our peace, security and prosperity depend not only on a united Europe but also, crucially, on our partnerships with the Global South. In 60 years of German development cooperation, we have built a global network of trust that is both a unique selling point of German development policy and an important building block in stable international relations.
Development policy is therefore not a moral luxury but an integral component of German security policy – alongside foreign and defence policy. It is also the expression of our responsibility towards current and future generations.
© BPA / Steffen Kugler
„Germany remains a dependable partner and advocate of international cooperation as equals, driven by mutual benefits, mutual respect and sustainable development.“
This is why Germany remains a dependable partner and advocate of international cooperation as equals, driven by mutual benefits, mutual respect and sustainable development.
The sweeping changes at the international level, the diverse challenges facing Germany and Europe and the greater self-assurance of our partners nevertheless require a realignment of development policy as it becomes more strategic, more focused and more partnership-based. It is about cooperation in which both parties make their interests transparent, develop mutually-beneficial solutions together and take on responsibility for successful implementation.
The realignment of development policy is also a result of changes in the demands placed on GIZ as the largest implementing organisation of technical cooperation. GIZ responded to this in 2025 by adjusting its transition from a project organisation to an implementer of integrated solutions for global challenges. It focused its service offering on the policy priorities, with greater emphasis on cost-effectiveness and competitiveness.
GIZ’s global network, technical expertise and ability to perform in challenging contexts make it an effective instrument for international action not only for the German Government. International Services’ successful business with the European Union, national governments, private companies and international organisations demonstrate that GIZ is also recognised internationally as a capable and competitive actor.
GIZ frequently works together with third parties. We combine our own expertise with the knowledge and skills of private businesses, civil society actors and international organisations to address development policy challenges jointly. Contract awards and financing arrangements accounted for just under half of GIZ’s business volume in 2025. GIZ thus acts as a catalyst for competition to find the best and most cost-effective solutions.
GIZ’s corporate success depends in large part on its staff. In 2025, their dedication and commitment once again contributed to improving people’s living conditions, stepping up economic cooperation and protecting global goods in more than 100 countries together with our partners. I would like to express my sincere thanks for all of their work.
