Main navigation
Content
A matter of principles
Why do we need development policy?
Today, our lives are much more interconnected with those of people living on other continents than ever before. We have many advantages because of that. However, it also means that we have greater responsibility than previous generations, because the international community is facing challenges for which it needs to find global solutions. Radical changes need to be made – at global level and as soon as possible.
Germany is taking on its responsibility
The German government is actively engaged, in close cooperation with the international community, in combating poverty, securing food, establishing peace, freedom, democracy and human rights, shaping globalisation in a socially equitable manner, and preserving the environment and natural resources.
Development cooperation is one of the most important instruments for achieving these goals. The German government regards it as an imperative of humanity and of reason. Development cooperation guarantees a future for people in developing countries – and thus for everyone else, too.
Development cooperation – because prosperity comes with obligations
Justice and solidarity are fundamental values of human life: No one should turn a blind eye to inhumane conditions in other countries. We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we do not do. Our culture is based on the ideal that the strong must help the weak. According to the German constitution, the Basic Law: "Property entails obligations. Its use shall also serve the public good."
In a globalised world the public good includes those people who live on other continents. The majority of the global population lives in developing countries. Nevertheless, the world's wealth is concentrated in the developed world, which thus carries joint responsibility for eliminating poverty in the world.
However, modern German development cooperation is more than just charitable aid for the poor. It helps people to help themselves and plays a part in enabling people to get out of poverty by their own efforts.
The social, economic and environmental problems the developing countries are facing cannot be solved by state institutions alone. All the social forces in a country – citizens, the private sector, state and civil society organisations – need to take on responsibility and cooperate in a constructive manner.
Development cooperation – because everyone benefits
Today's problems do not stop at national borders. Terrorism, war and civil war have an impact across borders. Those who want security have to do something to establish peace in the world. Development cooperation helps to prevent crises and overcome conflicts.
Environmental degradation and climate change are other global challenges. The high rate of consumption of fossil fuels and the associated carbon dioxide pollution of the atmosphere are impacting the climate the world over. Development cooperation, which promotes environmental protection, environmentally friendly production methods and the use of renewable resources, contributes to global environmental protection.
On account of how closely integrated the world economic system is no national economy remains unaffected by crises in other countries and regions. Exports provide an important economic basis in developed countries, and exports need a stable global economy. Financial and economic crises in Africa, Asia or South America can lead to job losses in Germany and other developed countries.
Development cooperation, which is geared to stabilising national economies in partner countries, also gives a boost to donor countries' economies. It thus helps both recipients and donors and creates multifarious cultural relations and economic partnerships.
Germany was itself once a recipient of international aid programmes. The country was devastated during the Second World War and subsequently received billions of dollars in support from the United States under the Marshall Plan. It taught the German population how important and successful aid can be. The prosperity and values that are characteristic of today's Germany are also a consequence of this forward-looking post-war policy. And, not least, it is this experience that induced the German government to take on an active role in regard to development policy and, in 1961, to become first country in Europe to establish a development ministry.
More information
Information
Publications
-
Development policy 2030 | New challenges – new solutions | BMZ Strategy Papernew window, PDF 664 KB, accessible 10/2018 | PDF | 664 KB | 28 P. | accessible
-
Making a difference | An overview of German development cooperationnew window, PDF 1.3 MB, accessible 01/2019 | pdf | 1.3 MB | 12 P. | accessible
-
Development Policy as Future-Oriented Peace Policy | The German Government's 15th Development Policy Reportnew window, PDF 3.5 MB 07/2017 | pdf | 3.5 MB | 92 P.
-
German Development Cooperation Work
ONE WORLD – Our responsibilitynew window, PDF 3 MB, accessible 11/2014 | pdf | 3 MB | 44 P. | accessible -
Charter for the Future
ONE WORLD – Our Responsibilitynew window, PDF 4.2 MB, accessible 04/2015 | pdf | 4.2 MB | 68 P. | accessible