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German development policy as a constituent part of a global structural and peace policy endeavors to improve living conditions in partner countries. The Federal Government, in close collaboration with the international community, is committed to fighting poverty, to peace and democracy, to globalisation that is fair, and to preserving the environment and natural resources. The strengthening of good government, self-responsibility, and powers of self-help in the partner countries are basic elements. Furthermore, education, health, rural development, the protection of the climate, environment and resources, as well as economic cooperation are key sectors. The guidelines and concepts underlying German development policy are devised by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
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In Germany, equal rights are enshrined in the Basic Law, it is legally impermissible to discriminate by gender as regards working conditions and pay, and there are numerous laws guaranteeing the rights of women. Moreover, Germany is firmly committed to equal rights for both genders – relying on a wide- ranging network of state and private institutions in this regard. The state plays an active role in ensuring equal living conditions for men and women. These measures are proving successful: in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index, which measures the gap in gender equality, Germany was placed 6th in 2023, making it one of the best-ranked countries in the world.
The Federal Government and cabinet is made up of the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Ministers. While the Chancellor holds the power to issue directives, the ministers have departmental powers, meaning that they independently run their respective ministries in the framework of those directives. Moreover, the cabinet abides by the collegial principle, in disputes the Federal Government decides by majority. The affairs of state are managed by the Chancellor.
The United Nations (UN) has a key role to play in the international system. Germany has been a UN member since 1973. Since joining, Germany has taken on more and more responsibility and is now one of the largest donors and supporters of the United Nations. For example, Germany is the second largest contributor to the UN system as a whole and takes part in UN peace missions. Germany is also home to more than 30 UN institutions. The most important location is Bonn, the former capital of the Federal Republic of Germany before German reunification. Germany is committed to reforming the United Nations so that the international community can effectively tackle the diverse global challenges.