The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, commonly known as GIZ, is Germany's principal development agency, operating in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education. Established on January 1, 2011, through the merger of three organizations—the Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst (DED), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), and Internationale Weiterbildung und Entwicklung (InWEnt)—GIZ aims to deliver effective solutions that offer people better prospects and sustainably improve their living conditions.
Headquartered in Bonn and Eschborn, Germany, GIZ operates in over 120 countries worldwide, employing more than 22,000 staff members as of 2021. Its primary commissioning party is the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), but it also works with other German federal ministries, the European Union, the United Nations, foreign governments, and the private sector.
GIZ's work encompasses a wide range of sectors, including economic development and employment promotion, energy and the environment, and peace and security. The organization collaborates with national governments, private sector entities, civil society, and research institutions to implement projects that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out in the 2030 Agenda.
As a public-benefit federal enterprise, GIZ is committed to German and European values, focusing on delivering sustainable and effective services that contribute to shaping a future worth living around the world.
