Stories on peace and security

Portrait of a smiling woman with curly hair, a green top, a black blazer, and green tassel earrings against a neutral gray background.

Hello from Bonn

My name is Nana Odoi. I head the Working Group on Peace and Development, or FriEnt.

Marcel Fratzscher, in a suit and tie against a blue background, speaking and gesturing with both hands in front of him.

Interview

‘Cuts to the development budget are a mistake’

Marcel Fratzscher believes that investing in the Global South is just as important as investing in Germany. The President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) says that without open markets and international partnerships, our prosperity will decline.

Three schoolgirls sit side by side in a classroom, smiling at the camera, wearing colorful headscarves and school backpacks.

Interview

‘International cooperation is a matter of good sense’

UNICEF and GIZ have been working together for around 15 years. This is particularly beneficial in crisis regions, explains Verena Knaus. As the head of UNICEF in Berlin, she is responsible for the partnership with Germany.

A man in a blue suit with a pink tie speaks while gesturing at a lectern in a parliamentary chamber.

Interview

‘International engagement serves German interests’

Wolfgang Stefinger, Chairman of the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development (AwZ), advocates for strategic partnerships and greater economic engagement in Africa.

Interview

‘Water cooperation can greatly defuse conflicts’

Susanne Schmeier is Professor of Water Cooperation, Law and Diplomacy in the Netherlands. Her research shows that conflicts over water can be managed proactively – ideally with international support.

Illustration einer Person im Profil mit überlagerten Recycling-Pfeilen und Globus-Symbol, umgeben von Wellenlinien, Wolken, Sonne und Blättern als Darstellung der globalen Wasserkrise.

Background

The global water crisis affects us all

Climate change and overuse are making water a scarce resource. Our colleague Dieter Rothenberger explains how GIZ is working to tackle this crisis. He coordinates the projects with which we improve water and sanitation provision across the globe.

Background

Giving people stability

GIZ project manager Eike Vater explains why Germany is providing reconstruction aid to Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion and what strategies GIZ is pursuing.

A man walks across a flat rooftop with installed solar panels, with many high-rise apartment buildings in the city behind him.

Background

Energy for survival

Ukraine needs energy: for day-to-day life, for the economy and to defend itself against attacks by Russia. GIZ offers long-term support to Ukraine to expand decentralised energy infrastructures and also provide rapid assistance.

Infographic

For a resilient Ukraine

Since 24 February 2022, Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia’s large-scale war of aggression – with military and civilian support from Germany. GIZ is heavily involved in civilian efforts. Our infographic shows the results.

Three people walk along a dusty road in haze, carrying containers on their heads.

Feature

Space for peace

Developing fragile regions into places of social and economic stability is a challenging undertaking in geopolitically uncertain times. In West Africa, GIZ is focusing on holistic approaches that combine the economy, social participation and state structures.

Six people posing together for a group photo, one person in the center holding a sign reading "#TEAMEUROPE".

Interview

‘Europe is a global forward-looking partner’

Michal Minčev heads the Czech Development Agency CzechAid and, from May, will take up the role of co-chair of the Practitioners’ Network alongside GIZ Chair of the Management Board Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel. In our interview Minčev talks about new geopolitical realities, the need to pool resources and Europe’s position in the world.

Portrait of a smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a yellow blazer and black top in front of a blurred green park background in daylight.

Interview

‘Making jurisprudence accessible to all with AI’

Together with partners, GIZ has developed an AI tool that enables broad access to legal knowledge. Emily Watson from GIZ’s team at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights explains in an interview why it can serve as a model for the European Court of Human Rights.