Voluntary civic action for more justice and sustainability
In Germany, there is a great deal of voluntary civic action in the field of development cooperation. It is carried out by numerous individuals, each with their own story, and the transition to a world with more sustainability and more justice will only be possible with their action. Recognising this, Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has launched a new strategy to attract more people to volunteering and increase support for those already engaged in voluntary work.
Civic action comes in many different forms. Some people volunteer as leaders of organisations that support projects abroad, others develop online climate action campaigns and others organise fund-raising events. What all these activities have in common is the difference they make for people and for society as a whole. Policymakers, industry, the scientific community and civil society need to work closely - especially when it comes to global challenges like the climate crisis or the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.
„Civic engagement increases people’s interest in global issues and boosts creative and pragmatic problem-solving. It enables people to participate in society. By taking action, they can really feel the impact they can have as members of a society.“
- Svenja Schulze (Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development)
The civic action support provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) aims to motivate people to get involved in development action and to show appreciation for the contribution they make.
Inspired by the 2030 Agenda: partnership and female empowerment
The BMZ’s support for civic action is based on three elements - the 2030 Agenda, a feminist approach and partnership - which require people in Germany and the ministry’s partner countries to work together.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed in the 2030 Agenda define the action needed to ensure a life in dignity for people around the world and the preservation of our planet and the natural resources it provides for us all. It will require action at the political, industry, scientific and, in particular, the civic level.
The BMZ’s civic engagement programmes are designed to attract as many people as possible in Germany. Age, ethnicity, sexual identity/orientation, religion and ideology (as set out in Germany’s Basic Law), physical or mental impairment, income and qualifications do not play a role. The BMZ supports anyone whose involvement in civic action adheres to the principles that guide Germany’s free democracy.
Mobilising and supporting civic action: the AGYO
We at the African-German Youth Office (AGYO) also support civic action in an international context, building on the strategy’s three-pronged approach of mobilising (I), supporting (II) and showing appreciation (III) for action.
Our Teams up! and Team works! programmes provide support both for youth groups and for tandem teams of young and senior experts seeking to volunteer in development. On Teams up! exchanges, young people interact directly with one another, learning about each other’s lives and discovering that they can achieve more by taking action together. Team works! assignments are an opportunity for experts and managers who’ve retired or are taking a career break to use their expertise and experience to promote sustainable development. They also benefit from the new perspectives they gain from the young professionals they are partnered with. As part of an international exchange programme, participants have access to resources, structures and networks for their volunteering work.