The world is undergoing fundamental change – economically, ecologically and socially. Humankind needs to manage the transition towards climate neutrality, adapt to advancing climate change and reduce inequalities. Countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America are becoming more influential and are demanding equal rights in the international community.

Germany plays an important role in international development policy and works to foster peace, security and sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda. Germany's development cooperation is based on the principle of mutual respect and partnership.

Ending poverty and hunger, pushing back inequalities, providing global health, facilitating climate change mitigation and adaptation, achieving gender equality and finding answers to displacement and migration – Germany's development policy focuses on pressing global challenges.

Based on cooperation with international partners, Germany's development efforts advance the global transition to sustainable, socially just, climate-compatible and environmentally sound economies. Simultaneously, Germany's development policy strengthens peace, freedom and human rights. Through its feminist development policy, Germany empowers women and girls to assert their claim to equal rights, resources and representation. This enables them to better fulfil their potential and make their own choices – for the benefit of all people and societies worldwide.

Our world is undergoing fundamental change. The necessary transition to a climate-neutral, resilient and socially just economic and social system is important for all people worldwide, but especially for those in the Global South.

Challenges, and the solutions to them, vary widely depending on the local context. Accordingly, Germany uses a broad range of development policy tools in its cooperation with its partner countries, so as to jointly deliver effective, sustainable solutions.

Germany cannot meet global challenges such as conflict, climate change and pandemics by itself. It therefore puts a special focus on European and multilateral cooperation.

In the European Union and international organisations, the German government works for the protection of global goods, for a fair balance of interests, and for peaceful conflict resolution. It strengthens alliances for the rule of law and human rights. As an export-oriented country, Germany supports rules-based international trade relations.

Germany's development policy is based on the principle of mutual respect and partnership. Development policy is implemented across the federal ministries. Nearly all of them have development cooperation activities. Moreover, Germany's federal states (Länder) have their own funding programmes and partnerships. They, too, are important players. So are Germany's municipalities. This diverse range of actors strengthens Germany's development policy. In its development policy, Germany relies on successful instruments, procedures and support options and works with experienced implementing organisations that have operations across the globe, and with non-governmental organisations.

The BMZ supports civil society and private sector involvement in development. As part of multilateral and European development cooperation, the BMZ makes financial contributions to international organisations.