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.
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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.
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.
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. Our work is guided by a human-rights-based approach, which understands people as rights holders and supports them in claiming their individual rights. Through our work, we help ensure that states meet their legal obligations to respect, protect and promote human rights.
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
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.
