A woman in colourful clothing

Sustainability is also social justice

We promote social sustainability worldwide through human rights-based action, fair labour standards and an inclusive, discrimination-free working environment.

For us, social sustainability means taking account of the impact of our activities on people – both within GIZ and in our work worldwide. We value fairness, respect and reliability. As a federal enterprise with global responsibility, we focus on people and are guided by high human rights, ethical and integrity-based standards.

Ethics and integrity as the foundation for social sustainability

Cooperative, trusting and respectful interaction with local people and partners is vital for us. We take a politically and interculturally sensitive approach and act with integrity. 

Our corporate culture is based on universal ethical values and principles: integrity, honesty, respect for human dignity, openness and non-discrimination are at the heart of this culture. We categorically reject corruption and bribery.

Luftaufnahme von Menschen, die in einer hellen Umgebung und in gleichmäßigen Abständen auf Stühlen sitzen oder über gelb markierte Wege laufen.

Human rights: at the heart of what we do

We work around the globe to achieve socially just societies and strengthen people’s human rights in the political, civil, economic, social and cultural spheres.

For us, respect for human rights applies both to international cooperation and internal processes – for example in procurement. We take our human rights due diligence obligations extremely seriously. We respond rigorously, transparently and promptly to concerns that any of our actions may have an adverse impact on human rights. 

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Diversity and equal opportunities in our working culture

We champion equal opportunities, participation and a discrimination-free working environment. In addition to our zero-tolerance approach towards marginalisation and discrimination, we actively promote a value-oriented corporate culture. Priority areas are:

  • Diversity
  • Inclusion
  • Gender equality
  • Work-life balance
Grafik mit geschwungenen bunten Linien.

Health and safety of our staff

Our policy on health care protection, social labour standards and managing staff responsibly is also an integral component of our understanding of sustainability. Our aim is not only to set standards internally but also to inspire partner organisations, commissioning parties, clients and suppliers to shoulder similar social responsibility.

A woman in overalls and protective gear uses a woodworking machine in a workshop with a colourful wall mural.
Teilweise sichtbare Menschen sitzen in einem Stuhlkreis in einer hellen Atmosphäre. Mit den Händen wird gestikuliert.
Icon: Ein Globus mit einer Sprechblase im Vordergrund.
Metallarbeiter
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