Germany and China working together for sustainable global development

Context

Under the 2030 Agenda, all United Nations Member States have set themselves the goal of contributing globally to economic development in harmony with nature, and leaving no one behind in the process. Germany and China, as major economic powers, have a special responsibility in this context.

While China’s infrastructure-led development approach differs from Germany’s capacity-building approach, China is nonetheless seeking to learn from Germany’s experiences when it comes to reforming its own development system. This gives Germany opportunities to exert influence by promoting its own standards. Moreover, understanding China’s development work enables Germany to respond more effectively to global developments. For the German private sector, cooperation with China can also open the door to greater engagement abroad.

Germany and China have created a platform to develop joint solutions to global challenges, in the form of the Sino-German Center for Sustainable Development (CSD).

Objective

Sino-German cooperation contributes to better global development and more rapid implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Approach

The project pursues three approaches:

• It provides technical and organisational support for discussions between representatives from the political, scientific and business communities on the principles of responsible engagement abroad.
• The CSD develops joint practical approaches. Through triangular cooperation, China and Germany are helping to improve development, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, the CSD supports the development and application of sustainability standards for Chinese companies’ engagement abroad.
• The CSD fosters mutual understanding of the other country’s development institutions, standards and practices. By doing so, it also contributes to the development of China expertise in Germany.

Last update: March 2025