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German Sustainable Development Strategy 2018 Update
GERMAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY – 2018 Update
The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development in 2015 heralded a paradigm shift
both in national sustainable development policy
and in international cooperation. More and more
nations have put measures in place to achieve
the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals.
After all, in our closely interconnected world,
every country shares responsibility for achieving
greater sustainability. It is therefore imperative
to take steps at all political levels.
Germany is committed to appropriate ways
and means to achieve the Agenda’s goals both
at European level and in the various formats
of international cooperation. This is a task that
we will also make a priority during Germany’s
membership of the United Nations Security
Council. I am delighted that the European
Council also supports a comprehensive strategy
for implementing the 2030 Agenda at European
Union level.
In all national and international endeavours
to achieve further progress, all countries must
learn from the successful examples set by
others and build on their experiences. For this Therefore, we in the Federal Government have
reason, Germany is opening up its Sustainable pledged to continue to develop the German
Development Strategy to the analysis and Sustainable Development Strategy adopted at
recommendations of international sustainability the start of 2017 in a consistent and ambitious
experts in a peer review. Moreover, we are manner in line with the 2030 Agenda. Among
maintaining a close dialogue with other countries other things, this update expands and adjusts
in Europe and around the world. indicators and introduces redefined principles for
sustainable development. Moreover, the Federal
If we compare what we have achieved so far Ministries detail how they are contributing to
with our goals, it is clear that, in the 12 years the achievement of the goals of the German
from now until 2030, we will have to significantly Sustainable Development Strategy and the 2030
increase the speed of implementation in order Agenda.
to realise the transformation of our world set
out by the Agenda. Given the major challenges We will undertake the next comprehensive
we are facing, time is growing very short. enhancement of our Sustainable Development
Strategy in 2020, for which the Federal
Government will again seek the input and
support of all sections of society. Sustainability
concerns us all, which means that we can only
make progress towards a sustainable world if we
all work together.
3GERMAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY – 2018 Update
Content
Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 6
I. Sustainability: A key political challenge of our time..................................................................... 7
1. Sustainability at international level............................................................................................... 7
a) Significance and challenges of multilateral cooperation........................................................ 7
b) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development........................................................................... 9
c) Bilateral cooperation ............................................................................................................. 10
2. Europe........................................................................................................................................... 12
a) European Union, reforms....................................................................................................... 12
b) SDG implementation at EU level . .......................................................................................... 13
c) European Sustainable Development Network (ESDN)............................................................ 14
3. National challenges....................................................................................................................... 15
a) Strengthening social cohesion –
leaving no one behind............................................................................................................ 15
b) Climate policy......................................................................................................................... 15
c) Innovation and digitisation .................................................................................................... 16
II. Implementation status of the German Sustainable Development Strategy................................... 17
1. Peer review..................................................................................................................................... 17
2. Strengthening policy coherence.................................................................................................... 19
3. Strengthening the involvement of societal stakeholders.............................................................. 20
a) Sustainability Forum............................................................................................................... 21
b) Science Platform Sustainability 2030...................................................................................... 21
c) Dialogue on the update/consultation paper.......................................................................... 22
4. Work of the institutions................................................................................................................. 22
a) State Secretaries’ Committee (StA NHK) . .............................................................................. 22
b) Parliamentary Advisory Council on Sustainable Development (PBnE)................................... 23
c) Sustainable Development Council (RNE)................................................................................ 24
5. Cooperation between the Federal Government and the Länder.................................................. 24
6. Ministries’ priorities for the implementation of the German Sustainable Development
Strategy and the SDGs and the BPA’s contribution........................................................................ 25
7. Programme of sustainability measures......................................................................................... 37
III. Sustainability indicators and goals............................................................................................... 38
1. Significance and status of the indicators/goals............................................................................. 38
2. Review process/selection.............................................................................................................. 38
3. Outline of the selected new indicators.......................................................................................... 41
a) Supporting good governance in the achievement of adequate nutrition around the world . 41
b) Sustainable public procurement............................................................................................. 42
4. Adjustment of existing indicators/goals........................................................................................ 43
IV. Principles for sustainable development....................................................................................... 45
V. Outlook. 46
Overview: Content and management of the German Sustainable Development Strategy
(sustainability management system). 48
5Introduction
A good life for all within the boundaries of our 7 November 2018, supplements the GSDS from
planet’s resources is possible on a permanent the start of 2017, and comprises the following
basis only if political decisions are geared towards aspects in particular:
sustainable development. The Federal Government
is therefore committed to the guiding principle of • A brief analysis of the current conditions
sustainability. It is working to achieve ever-greater internationally and in Europe
observance of this principle at all levels and by all
stakeholders, nationally and globally. • The addition and adjustment of individual
indicators and goals on the basis of reviews
The Federal Government’s sustainable commissioned by the GSDS and on the basis
development policy is based on the 2030 Agenda of the coalition agreement
for Sustainable Development, which is entitled
“Transforming our world”. The 2030 Agenda was • Revised principles for sustainable development
adopted by the heads of state and government (previously “management rules”)
of the 193 member states of the United Nations
in New York on 25 September 2015. It comprises • A report on amending institutional structures
17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and increasing the involvement of societal
with a total of 169 associated targets, which must stakeholders
be achieved by 2030 and apply universally, i. e.
equally for all nations. The Agenda calls for societal • Information on the recommendations of the
stakeholders to be included (multi-stakeholder third peer review by international experts
approach) and stands for global partnership.
• Accounts of the ministries’ current priorities for
The Federal Government adopted the new the implementation of the global Sustainable
version of the German Sustainable Development Development Goals and the GSDS
Strategy (GSDS) on 11 January 2017. This was the
first step that provided the framework for the Feedback from a public consultation in June 2018
implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable was taken into account.
Development.
Previous experience with the implementation of
In the coalition agreement of March 2018, the the 2030 Agenda, both nationally and globally,
CDU, CSU and SPD committed to the ambitious shows that we can achieve progress towards
implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 sustainable development. At the same time, it is
global Sustainable Development Goals and to clear that we have to redouble our efforts in all
the promotion of sustainable development as a areas. There is no way around this, especially given
benchmark for good governance. It is the guiding the political situation in the world today.
principle of German policy. It was announced that
the GSDS would be enhanced on an ongoing basis This update of the GSDS is a step towards the full
and in an ambitious manner. review and enhancement of the GSDS, which – as
stipulated in the new version of the GSDS from
The Federal Government had already announced 2017 – is scheduled for 2020.
the 2018 update of the Strategy in the GSDS. This
update was adopted by the Federal Cabinet on
6GERMAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY – 2018 Update
I. Sustainability:
A key political challenge of our time
By adopting the German Sustainable Development Displacement and irregular migration
Strategy at the beginning of 2017, the Federal
Government took an important first step towards The implementation of the 2030 Agenda is also
implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable important in light of ongoing refugee and migrant
Development in Germany. However, having a good movements. According to the UN Refugee Agency
strategy is not enough – sustainability must be (UNHCR), 68.5 million people are currently displaced
taken into account and implemented in all areas (including around 40 million internally displaced
of policy. This applies at all levels – internationally, persons and around 25.4 million refugees). In the
in Europe and nationally. long term, the most effective methods against
displacement and irregular migration are respect
for human rights, peace and good prospects in the
1. Sustainability at countries of origin.
international level The Federal Government has further intensified its
cooperation with the United Nations with regard
The adoption of the 2030 Agenda at the United to displacement and migration and is actively
Nations (UN) in 2015 showed that it is possible to promoting the preparation of a Global Compact
stand together globally to face key challenges. Its on Refugees and a Global Compact for Safe,
adoption was an expression of the conviction that Orderly and Regular Migration. Both Compacts are
these challenges can be overcome only as a joint intended to contribute to a more comprehensive
effort and that, for this reason, the guiding principle response to major movements of refugees and
of sustainable development must be applied migrants and greater international solidarity.
consistently to all policy areas and in all countries.
With this in mind, the Federal Government is Sustainable business
promoting sustainable development within the
framework of multilateral cooperation. Robust economic development can be observed
worldwide. The IMF expects global economic output
a) Significance and challenges of multilateral to grow by 3.9 % in 2018 and 2019.
cooperation
However, this growth must be made sustainable.
Climate protection Finite resources, the protection of the natural
environment and the 2030 Agenda’s call to leave
The negative impacts of climate change are a no one behind require us to steady our course
key challenge for sustainable development and towards sustainable and therefore future-proof
one of the causes of population displacement business activities.
and migration. The Paris Climate Agreement is
the successful outcome of cooperation in the Multilateralism in crisis
international community and lays the groundwork
for tangible progress. At the UN Climate Change The 2030 Agenda and the Paris Climate Agreement
Conference in Katowice (Poland) in December are examples of successful cooperation in the
2018, the priorities will include adopting rules for international community. However, this success is
implementing the Paris Climate Agreement and now threatened by tensions, crises and diverging
reaching an agreement on how the climate targets concepts of international order. Instead of solving
can be achieved. complex problems together, simple solutions are
7sometimes sought in the form of isolationism and for peace and security in this capacity. Germany
a withdrawal to nationalism. will focus its work on four key goals: peace, justice,
innovation and partnership. In order to preserve
The Federal Government is underscoring its firm the authority and legitimacy of the Security
belief that key global challenges and crises can be Council, Germany is committed to reforming this
only be resolved in the long term with a common, central body of the international community for
cooperative approach by the international peacekeeping and conflict management.
community. The Federal Government is therefore
strongly in favour of intensifying effective and Germany’s G20 presidency in 2017
collaborative multilateralism in a rules-based,
peaceful world order with the United Nations at The Federal Government believes that sustainability
its heart, one that is complemented effectively by is both a visionary and a necessary response to the
institutions such as the International Monetary question as to how to ensure that globalisation is
Fund, development banks and the World Trade fair.
Organization.
In 2017, Germany adopted “Shaping an
Strengthening UN institutions interconnected world” as the slogan for its G20
presidency. The overriding goals of the presidency
The United Nations plays a central role in helping were to build resilience, improve sustainability and
its member states to implement the 2030 Agenda. assume responsibility. At the summit in Hamburg
This is particularly true of the UN development on 7 and 8 July 2017, nearly all the resolutions
system. In order to make the system “fit for touched on the issue of sustainability.
purpose”, i. e. a strong and well-organised partner
for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, in Examples of G20 issues relating to sustainability
June 2018, the UN’s member states set the course Strengthening the resilience of the global economy;
for a reform of the UN development system. Its creating sustainable supply chains by implementing
structures are to be made more efficient, Resident labour, social and environmental standards, and
Coordinators are to work more effectively and enforcing human rights in line with internationally
independently with better funding, and the recognised frameworks; climate and energy action
network of UN Country Offices is to be streamlined. plan; action plan to combat marine litter; resource
efficiency dialogue; principles for fighting corruption,
particularly in connection with combating poaching;
Germany is supporting the Secretary-General
adopting a partnership with Africa; reducing the root
of the United Nations, António Guterres, in his
causes of refugee movements; global cooperation in
extensive and ambitious reform agenda in order healthcare.
to make the global organisation more efficient and
effective.
During its G20 presidency, Germany also
Germany is willing to take more responsibility and is encouraged leading industrialised and emerging
heavily involved in the United Nations politically and countries to undertake concerted efforts towards
financially, as well as with human resources to an implementing the 2030 Agenda. For example, the
increasing extent. It is the fourth-largest contributor Hamburg Update of the G20 Action Plan on the
to the regular and the peacekeeping budgets 2030 Agenda adopted under the Chinese G20
and the second-largest donor of humanitarian presidency in Hangzhou was adopted with an
aid and official development aid. Germany has enhanced catalogue of measures.
more than tripled its budget for crisis prevention,
stabilisation and humanitarian aid in recent years – A new instrument for shared learning among
to 2.5 billion euros in 2017. Moreover, Germany is the G20 countries, the Voluntary Peer Learning
now one of the largest Western providers of troops Mechanism (VPLM), was also introduced. Germany
for United Nations peacekeeping missions. formed the first peer group together with China
and Mexico, which from September 2017 to
On 8 June 2018, Germany was elected as a non- March 2018 discussed the alignment of their
permanent member of the United Nations Security sustainable development strategies to the 2030
Council for the 2019–20 term. This is the sixth time Agenda and questions of policy coherence. The
that the country has assumed major responsibility three partners identified common challenges and
8GERMAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY – 2018 Update
took suggestions arising from a comparison of auspices of the UN’s Economic and Social Council
their various approaches on board. The current (ECOSOC) and every four years at the level of heads
Argentinian G20 presidency is expected to continue of state and government under the auspices of the
this communication mechanism. UN General Assembly (for the first time in this form
in September 2019).
b) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development Voluntary National Reviews
The central pillars of the HLPF include the reports by UN
Multilateralism can no longer be taken for granted member states, which have submitted a total of 111
today. The international consensus on the 2030 Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) since 2016. Along
Agenda, which has a key role to play with regarding with 21 other countries, Germany already submitted
to resolving global problems, is therefore all the its VNR at the first HLPF after the adoption of the SDGs
more important. The Agenda’s objective is to enable in 2016. The German report was based on the draft of
everyone to lead a life in dignity while conserving our the GSDS at that time. Since then, international interest
in reporting has risen sharply: 43 countries submitted
natural resources – including for future generations.
VNRs in 2017 and 46 states reported on their national
implementation in 2018. The EU is expected to present
The 2030 Agenda underscores the shared its implementation of the 2030 Agenda for the first
responsibility of all stakeholders – policymakers, time in 2019. Germany will participate intensively in
industry, academia and civil society. Moreover, the preparation of this VNR in the Council Working
it applies universally, i. e. it concerns all states, Party on the 2030 Agenda (see below).
developing countries and industrialised countries
alike. It is also important to consider the global Side events
impact of national action, for example with regard
Each year, the Federal Government also plays an active
to climate change, trade, sustainable consumption role in the HLPF’s extensive programme of side events. In
and sustainable production. 2017, for example, it joined Mexico in organising a panel
discussion on strategic questions on the implementation
The 2030 Agenda’s 17 global goals for sustainable of the 2030 Agenda, at which it also presented the 2016
development (Sustainable Development Goals, German Sustainable Development Strategy. In 2018,
SDGs) constitute an indivisible catalogue of closely the key results of an international peer review of the
interlinked goals that must be viewed not in German Sustainable Development Strategy (see II. 1
isolation, but as a whole in order to unlock positive below) were presented at a side event.
synergies and prevent negative interrelationships.
SDG Summit 2019
Despite positive trends with regard to the
implementation of individual SDGs, the global At the end of its first four-year “cycle” in 2019,
community is falling well short of expectations the HLPF is to be evaluated by the member states
in many areas. In order to achieve the 17 SDGs with regard to issues, format and effectiveness.
by 2030 and for the necessary promotion of The Federal Government will speak out in favour
more sustainable, inclusive business and more of continuing to improve the forum in terms of
sustainable lifestyles, the ambition and the pace content and effective organisation.
of implementation must be increased significantly.
The first SDG Summit at the level of heads of
An effective review of the implementation of the state and government since the adoption of the
2030 Agenda is crucial in order to ensure its success 2030 Agenda in 2015 will take place in September
and to make and constantly adjust the necessary 2019. The Summit, meeting during the UN General
changes in political direction. Assembly, is intended to send a strong political
signal on the part of the heads of state and
High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable government for the accelerated implementation of
Development (HLPF) the necessary economic and social transformation.
To ensure that the UN Sustainable Development
The central body for reviewing the implementation Summit is able to live up to these demands, the
of the 2030 Agenda is the High-Level Political Federal Government and its EU partners have
Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The pushed for the Summit to be prepared transparently
HLPF meets annually at ministerial level under the and effectively at the earliest possible stage.
9Global indicators and progress reports This is particularly true with regard to
development policy. The Federal Government’s
The UN presents the global progress of the 15th Development Policy Report outlines the role
implementation of the SDGs in annual SDG progress of German development policy in solving future
reports. These are based on data supplied to the global problems. Since 2015, changes in course
UN by the member states’ statistical authorities have been made, and central processes have
on a total of around 240 global indicators. These been adjusted in order to facilitate development
global indicators were selected by an international policy cooperation in the interests of sustainable
expert group (IAEG-SDGs), with the participation development.
of the Federal Statistical Office, to monitor the
attainment of the 17 global SDGs and their 169 Major challenges in implementation in
associated targets at UN level and approved by developing countries
the UN General Assembly. The Federal Statistical
Office publishes and coordinates the data on the The partner countries involved in German
global indicators that Germany provides if possible development cooperation have begun implementing
every year (“Data for Germany”; www.destatis.de/ the 2030 Agenda at different speeds. After three
SDGDE). This is based primarily on official statistics years, it is becoming apparent that virtually all
as well as other data sources. countries – developing and industrialised countries
alike – still have a great deal of work to do to set
The current figures show that the global community out on and shape paths of sustainable development.
is falling well short of expectations and its own
ambitions in many areas, despite a number of Global economic, environmental and social
positive trends. challenges are reaching critical dimensions. Around
the world, 2.5 billion people live in countries with
The creation of a comprehensive and high-quality water shortages, and nine out of ten city dwellers
data pool, broken down, for example, by sex, are not breathing clean air. Between 2000 and
background or age, remains a major challenge 2010, the consumption of natural resources rose
internationally. For example, 66 of the roughly by 43 % worldwide. Although more than a billion
240 indicators still lack data, and another 66 lack people have been lifted out of extreme poverty, it
the methodological standards to enable uniform is apparent that not all people and countries have
data collection. In the UN Statistical Commission, benefited from this positive development. In Sub-
member states and international organisations are Saharan Africa, the number of people in extreme
therefore working continuously to enhance the poverty has actually increased; in some countries,
indicator system. the poverty rate is still over 70 %.
Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) Projections by the OECD show that more than
60 % of those in extreme poverty will live in fragile
In addition to the annual SDG progress reports, countries dominated by conflict in 2030. The
the Global Sustainable Development Report impacts of climate change also have a pronounced
(GSDR), to be published every four years starting effect on poor and vulnerable population groups
from 2019, has a vital role to play. In Germany’s as they are often highly dependent on natural
view, the report should play a similarly important resources and live in regions at particular risk.
role for the topic of sustainable development as Climate change is therefore a threat to successes
the IPCC’s world climate report plays for climate in the area of development that have already
change. To this end, the Federal Government is been made. Climate risks are also combining
supporting the group of 15 researchers appointed with other trends such as population growth and
by the UN Secretary-General to draft the GSDR via urbanisation. Unchecked climate change increases
the Federal Environment Agency and the German the potential for conflict over natural resources
Development Institute. such as fertile soil and (drinking) water and can
lead people to leave their homes and seek their
c) Bilateral cooperation fortune as migrants.
The 2030 Agenda provides the benchmark for the Another challenge is rising inequality within
Federal Government’s bilateral efforts. societies. Discrimination and unequal access to
10GERMAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY – 2018 Update
education, employment, healthcare, etc. are a tangible measures they are pursuing to promote
considerable barrier to sustainable development sustainability in textile supply chains.
in many countries. Peace: Peace is the fundamental requirement for
development – there can be no development without
The five key messages of the 2030 Agenda and peace, and no peace without development. The
the call to leave no one behind 2030 Agenda therefore includes fundamental goals
regarding peace, justice and strong institutions.
The priorities of the Federal Government’s bilateral Among other things, they relate to preventing violence,
cooperation – especially but not exclusively in the promoting human rights and good governance, and
field of development policy – reflect the five key thus counteracting the root causes of displacement
messages that preface the 17 SDGs as guiding and promoting return and reintegration. The Federal
Government is bringing its foreign policy, development
principles: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and
policy and security policy resources to bear to prevent
Partnership – the 5 Ps.
crises, manage conflicts and promote peace. It is making
a considerable contribution to conflict management
Priorities of bilateral cooperation and the promotion of peace with crisis prevention
People: A world without hunger and poverty is and stabilisation measures, such as arbitration and
possible. With its special initiative One World, No mediation, security sector reform and promotion of
Hunger, Germany is joining the fight against hunger the rule of law. With the special initiative “Tackling the
and malnutrition and for the protection of natural root causes of displacement, (re)integrating refugees”,
resources for life and production. The InsuResilience the Federal Government is working with the poorest
Global Partnership protects poor and vulnerable countries to reduce the root causes of displacement
people in developing countries against climate risks. and support refugees and host communities.
Planet: In 2016, public funds totalling 3.4 billion euros Partnership: With multi-stakeholder partnerships such
were made available for international climate as the Textile Partnership and the German Initiative
protection funding. The Federal Government is thus on Sustainable Cocoa, the Federal Government is
supporting projects in almost all partner countries for promoting sustainable development together with
climate protection and adapting to climate change. business and civil society and in cooperation with the
By 2021, the Energising Development programme will partner countries involved in German development
provide at least 21 million people with access to modern cooperation.
and climate-friendly energy, especially in Africa. This
will save more than two million tonnes of CO2 every
The principle enshrined in the 2030 Agenda of
year. The Federal Government’s International Climate
“leaving no one behind” (LNOB) codifies the shared
Initiative also works to protect the climate and natural
resources; it is an important component of Germany’s
obligation to bring all people along on the path
climate protection funding and prioritises climate towards sustainable development. Putting this
protection and adaptation as well as the protection of principle into practice and reaching the poorest
biological diversity. and most disadvantaged people first is a key task,
especially for development cooperation.
Prosperity: Globalisation must be fair. One of the
Federal Government’s contributions to this is the Cross-sector approaches are needed
National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights
(NAP), in which it formulates its expectation that
Translating the three-pronged approach of poverty
all businesses respect human rights in their global
business activities. It reviews the implementation eradication strategies, sustainable economic
of the plan in an extensive three-year monitoring development and the protection of natural
cycle. At the same time, the NAP comprises more 50 resources into core political and strategic processes
government measures that support the objectives of remains a key challenge for the partner countries.
the NAP, including in the promotion of foreign trade, in
public procurement and in development cooperation. This makes it necessary to take a holistic view of
For example, the Federal Government is promoting the interrelationships between political measures in
improvement of environmental and social standards various sectors and to promote work across policy
along the textile supply chain and involving business areas. German development cooperation promotes
directly via the Textile Partnership. It is thus working these approaches via the NDC partnership initiated
towards achieving fair labour conditions. All 116
by the Federal Government, for example. This helps
members of the Textile Partnership submitted their
partner countries link strategies for implementing
planned measures in August 2018, detailing which
national climate protection (Nationally Determined
11Contributions, NDCs) and for implementing the Data, statistics and monitoring
SDGs.
The lack of data in many partner countries makes
2030 Agenda Implementation Programme it more difficult to design policies on the basis
With the 2030 Agenda Implementation Programme, of evidence and to measure the progress of the
the Federal Government is providing over 25 partner implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Major
countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America with investments in national statistical services and
targeted assistance in key areas for the implementation technical expertise are necessary in order to
of the 2030 Agenda. Together, political frameworks ensure high quality and uniform standards of
are created, local resources and private investment data collection and interpretation. They are also
mobilised and monitoring and review capacities important for designing government services in
increased. The programme is in high demand among
accordance with requirements and for ensuring
the partner governments and will be continued in the
that no one is left behind.
years to come. The Federal Government, together
with its development policy partner countries, is thus
making a contribution to greater transformation However, it is not just partner countries that have to
towards sustainable development. measure their progress. Development cooperation
must demonstrate that it is making an effective and
2030 Agenda Transformation Fund
qualitative contribution to achieving the SDGs. The
Federal Government therefore sets great store by
In 2018, the Federal Government supported more
ensuring impact monitoring in line with the SDGs
than 20 activities for the implementation of the 2030
Agenda by funding projects in 18 partner countries
and disclosing the financial contributions made as
with a new fund (more information is available at part of the development cooperation in accordance
www.transformationsfund.com/). with the internationally agreed IATI (International
Aid Transparency Initiative) standard. This ensures
transparency for partner countries and the German
New funding models public.
Although the EU member states and a number of
other industrialised nations have again committed 2. Europe
to meeting the ODA target of 0.7 % of GNI (share
of expenditure for official development assistance The Federal Government has set itself the goal
in gross national income) under the Addis Ababa of making a new start for Europe. Only a strong
Action Agenda, the implementation of the 2030 European Union with the right priorities can
Agenda requires a broader funding approach. ensure a peaceful future, security and long-term
According to the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the prosperity.
global agenda for financing the 2030 Agenda, all
financial resources have to contribute to achieving Europe is more than just a single market or the
the Agenda for Sustainable Development. This euro. It is a community of shared values built on
includes international and national private respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy,
investment and international and national public equality, the rule of law and the protection of
funds. human rights. Only together is it possible to defend
these values, ensure prosperity and make Europe’s
States can effectively advance their sustainable voice heard in the world.
development only if they have sufficient funds
of their own and can deploy them in a targeted, a) European Union, reforms
effective and efficient manner. Germany has
therefore signed up to the Addis Tax Initiative, The European Union faces major challenges, and
committing to double its support for partner Europe is particularly exposed to geopolitical
countries for establishing fair, transparent and change on account of its geographical location.
efficient public finance systems by 2020. At the Violence, violations of human rights and
same time, more private funds must be mobilised infringements of international law are occurring in
for investment in sustainable development, and close proximity. The global economic structure is
the conditions for this improved. also changing; today, many of the world’s leading
companies come from other parts of the world.
12GERMAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY – 2018 Update
The EU is enjoying growth once again after years of end of 2018, it merely announced an additional,
economic crisis, but efforts are required to continue sixth Reflection Paper as part of the debate on the
to reduce the high level of youth unemployment. future of the EU entitled “Towards a Sustainable
Global challenges of migration and displacement Europe by 2030”. As things stand, this is expected
are putting EU solidarity to the test. to deal chiefly with progress made in implementing
the 2030 Agenda.
The consistent implementation of the 2030 Agenda
can make a vital contribution to mastering these The next few years will be crucial for the achievement
challenges in the long term. Sustainability is of the Sustainable Development Goals. The
enshrined as a guiding principle in the Treaty on Federal Government will continue pushing for the
European Union. However, the next step must be to implementation of the 2030 Agenda at EU level to
specify what the 2030 Agenda means for EU policy. be advanced in an ambitious manner.
Key policy areas for the implementation of the Council Working Party on the 2030 Agenda
2030 Agenda, e.g. foreign trade and agricultural
or environmental policy, are also or exclusively the A new Council Working Party on the 2030 Agenda
responsibility of the EU. As the largest common for Sustainable Development was set up at the end
economic area in the world, the EU also has a of 2017 to promote a coherent approach to SDG
special responsibility for the global impacts of its implementation in the EU – including a better link
action on partner countries. between internal and external trade. This fulfilled
a request that Germany had been making for years
Germany is therefore committed to the ambitious for the creation of a platform for dialogue between
implementation of the 2030 Agenda at EU level. EU member states specifically on sustainability
The Federal Government’s position is supported by issues.
the Länder (Bundesrat decision), the Parliamentary
Advisory Council on Sustainable Development, The Working Party has met regularly since March
the Sustainable Development Council and many 2018. It is intended to supervise the implementation
societal stakeholders in Germany. of the 2030 Agenda on behalf of the Council. Its
working practices are currently being fleshed out
b) SDG implementation at EU level in order to ensure that relevant political issues are
dealt with appropriately. In addition, the Council
The implementation of the 2030 Agenda at EU level Working Party prepares and coordinates common
requires a strategic framework. The EU member EU positions for international processes in the area
states unanimously called for such a framework of sustainable development.
in their Council conclusions (General Affairs)
of 20 June 2017. In a resolution of 6 July 2017, Multi-stakeholder platform
the European Parliament also called on the
Commission to prepare a comprehensive strategy In May 2017, the Commission set up a multi-
for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. stakeholder platform to provide advice on the
implementation of the 2030 Agenda in the EU.
2017 Council conclusions The platform comprises 30 representatives of civil
The Council conclusions include the European society organisations, academia and industry. It is
Commission’s assignment to prepare an EU chaired by the First Vice-President of the European
implementation strategy by mid-2018 that lays out Commission, Frans Timmermans.
the timetable, targets and specific measures for
achieving the 2030 Agenda in the relevant internal One of the key outcomes of the platform’s work
and external EU policy areas. In addition, the Council is a position paper formulating its expectations
called for a gap analysis and a review by the European for the implementation of the Agenda at EU level,
Commission of how the programmes and instruments
which the platform adopted on 11 October 2018.
of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) can be
The platform also believes that the EU has to take a
geared towards implementing the 2030 Agenda.
leading role. It has called for a strategic framework
with specific goals and effective monitoring. The
The Commission has not yet fulfilled the requests of Strategy is also to be linked to the discussion on
the Council and the European Parliament. For the the future of the EU. The European Commission
13has announced that it will attach the document Neighbourhood, Development and International
as an annex to the aforementioned Reflection Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) proposed by the
Paper. In addition, the platform also advises the Commission.
European Commission on the planned awarding
of a European sustainability prize. European development policy has traditionally
prioritised cooperation with the countries of Africa,
Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) the Caribbean and the Pacific (the ACP countries).
The partnership agreement (Post-Cotonou
The Federal Government will support efforts to Agreement) has been under renegotiation since
modernise the EU budget and its more consistent August 2018. Germany is working to ensure that
focus on European added value. Germany will the successor agreement takes the 2030 Agenda
therefore work to ensure that the EU’s next MFF into account.
is more clearly aligned to the 2030 Agenda. To
this end, there must be an examination of how c) European Sustainable Development
the principles of the Agenda can be taken into Network (ESDN)
account in the relevant regulations proposed by
the European Commission. Negotiations on this The Federal Government cooperates closely with
began after the European Commission presented the governments of other European countries
the MFF package for 2021–2027 in May and June on sustainable development. It is a member of
2018. the Steering Group of the European Sustainable
Development Network (ESDN). The Network
Sustainable finance held a meeting in Rome in June 2018 at which
representatives from European countries discussed
Financing questions can make an important success factors and challenges for implementing
contribution to the implementation of the 2030 the 2030 Agenda at both national and regional
Agenda. In light of this, the fact that the European levels. The ESDN annual conference at the
Commission presented an action plan on financing beginning of October 2018 addressed the issue of
sustainable growth in March 2018 is a positive stakeholder involvement.
development.
European Sustainable Development Week
Aims of the action plan
• Reorient capital flows towards sustainable Every year, the events of European Sustainable
investment in order to achieve sustainable and Development Week (ESDW, see esdw.eu)
inclusive growth demonstrate that many people in Europe are
• Manage financial risks stemming from climate concerned about sustainable development. The
change, scarcity of resources, environmental initiative was originally launched by France,
degradation and social issues Austria and Germany. In Germany, participation
• Foster transparency and long-term approach in the in the ESDW is organised by the Sustainable
financial and economic sphere Development Council (via the website www.
tatenfuermorgen.de). This is supported by the
Various legislative proposals were made for Federal Government, which is calling for wide-
implementing the action plan. The Federal scale participation among all stakeholders at
Government is supporting the objective, effective both national and European levels. The activities
and practical implementation of this ambitious during the ESDW show that the implementation
action plan. of the Sustainable Development Goals is a task
for everyone, one that involves all levels and
EU development policy all stakeholders. In 2018, the number of events
all over Europe increased from 4000 a year
The new European Consensus on Development previously to 6500 events and initiatives; never
of May 2017 is already based entirely on the before have so many people been involved in
2030 Agenda. The MFF is also relevant to the these events. An estimated three million people
development consensus with a view to the 2030 in Europe thus took part in the ESDW events. In
Agenda. For example, it must be ensured that the Germany, there were 2500 activities – likewise
2030 Agenda is enshrined as a guideline in the new a record high, which is also attributable to the
14GERMAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY – 2018 Update
activities of the Regional Hubs for Sustainability climate change that have already occurred and
Strategies (RENNs, see II. 3 c below). are expected in the future are and will remain key
challenges for sustainable development.
3. National challenges All countries must work resolutely towards the
target agreed in Paris to achieve greenhouse gas
Sustainable development poses challenges for a emissions neutrality in the second half of the
large number of policy areas, including in Germany. century. At the same time, global warming must
Three examples of such topics are detailed below. be kept well below 2 degrees above pre-industrial
levels, and further efforts must be made to limit
“Sustainability must be borne in mind in all policy areas the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees.
and the diverse interrelationships taken into account.”
Although there is a clear difference between
Federal Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel, 4 June 2018, Annual
Conference of the Sustainable Development Council
“weather” and “climate”, the long, extremely dry
and hot summer of 2018 was a tangible reminder
to us all of the possible effects of climate change.
a) Strengthening social cohesion – Climate protection and adaptation to climate
leaving no one behind change remain important and urgent goals of the
Federal Government. The efforts to adapt must be
We will only achieve a sustainable Germany by intensified, as the consequences of climate change
ensuring that no one is left behind. “Leave no one are already having an impact on the economy and
behind” is a key element of the 2030 Agenda. It society (crop failures, interruption of national and
is the promise that the job will be finished only global supply chains due to extreme weather,
when all the goals of the 2030 Agenda have been damage to private property and production
achieved for all population groups – i. e. especially facilities).
those who are left furthest behind. Equal rights
and non-discrimination are fundamental principles The Federal Government is committed to the
here. For Germany, leaving no one behind means, climate targets for 2020, 2030 and 2050 agreed at
for example, that even those who cannot achieve the national, European and international level. To
the minimum sociocultural subsistence level by that end, it will fully implement the Climate Action
themselves must be able to share in the wealth Programme 2020 and the Climate Action Plan 2050
generated in society as a whole. This requires with the goals agreed for all sectors.
society to provide security against particular risks
in the welfare state. In addition, the welfare state In accordance with the stipulations of the coalition
must be geared towards (re-)enabling people to agreement, the Growth, Structural Change and
live self-determined lives while helping to create Employment Commission was swiftly appointed
equal opportunities for all. Achievements and with the involvement of various stakeholders from
individual skills should determine a person’s future, politics, industry, environmental associations,
not social background. Education is therefore key trade unions and affected Länder and regions.
to participation. By the end of 2018, it is set to come up with an
action programme for closing the gap to the
The development of the German economy also national climate protection target for 2020 (40 %
depends to a great extent on the available human GHG reduction compared to 1990) by as much as
resources. In order to meet the demand for possible and for achieving the 2030 energy sector
qualified, skilled workers on a permanent basis, target. This includes a plan for incrementally
high-quality education must be available for all. reducing and phasing out coal-fired power
Vocational training requires flexible opportunities generation with a deadline and the necessary legal,
for adapting to individual needs in order to improve economic, social and structural support measures.
employability.
In addition, the Federal Government will prepare
b) Climate policy a programme of measures for 2030, based among
other things on the Growth, Structural Change and
Climate protection, which is crucial to the future Employment Commission’s recommendations and
of humanity, and adapting to the impacts of proposals to be developed from the concurrent
15processes for the building and transport sectors. Artificial intelligence
We also intend to pass a law in 2019 that will
ensure compliance with the 2030 climate In data-driven processes, artificial intelligence (AI)
protection targets. On the basis of the German has the potential to create added value for the
Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change (DAS) benefit of business and society.
from 2015, the consequences of climate change
are regularly ascertained and action plans drawn The issue of who will lead the development and
up with measures to tackle them. Accordingly, design of this technology is currently a matter of
the coalition agreement provides for an update debate. Germany, with its significant industrial
to the German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate sector and excellent research institutions, is very
Change by 2020 and the provision of the necessary well positioned in this regard.
resources. If successfully implemented, ambitious
climate policy offers significant opportunities for In light of the increasing pace of developments
prosperity, growth and sustainable business. internationally in this area, the Federal Government
will pool all its measures in this regard and combine
c) Innovation and digitisation them to form a national AI strategy. The Federal
Government is determined to bring both research
Many innovation processes, such as digitisation and development and the use of AI in Germany
(see also II. 6 – Federal Ministry for Economic and Europe to a globally leading level and to keep
Affairs and Energy and Federal Ministry of them there. Germany is poised to become the
Education and Research contributions below), world’s leading location for AI, due in particular
have considerable potential for supporting the to the extensive and swift translation of research
goals of the Sustainable Development Strategy. findings into applications. “Artificial intelligence
This potential must be exploited. (AI) made in Germany” is to become a globally
recognised seal of quality.
Big data, the internet of things, robotics and
industry 4.0 all facilitate more efficient economic Technological development also raises ethical
activity and resource conservation in diverse ways. questions that are discussed in a social dialogue
Telemedicine can benefit rural areas, networked and potentially require general conditions to be
mobility can make transport more efficient and enhanced.
prevent congestion, and mobile working can
reduce traffic volumes. A promising potential Sustainable approach
benefit of digitisation is the dematerialisation
of products and the increase in the efficiency of With regard to the 2030 Agenda, technical and
their production and use. It also offers numerous scientific advancements must be used to overcome
opportunities for sustainable consumption. environmental and social challenges. Sustainability
and digitisation require and bring about the
Digital Council transformation of society, business and lifestyles.
The Federal Government has implemented an A societal transformation that creates acceptance
announcement in the coalition agreement by appointing for technology can benefit social advancement.
a Digital Council. Its ten members from Germany and Digitisation also has great potential for promoting
other countries come from the fields of science and sustainable development. At the same time,
research, as well as the private sector. The Digital the digital transformation itself must be made
Council’s task is to advise the Federal Government with sustainable, i. e. its economic, environmental and
its technical expertise. social impacts must be examined and, where
necessary, political conditions must be adapted. It
Minister of State for Digital Affairs/Federal will also be important to consider long-term effects
Chancellery role with a detailed technology impact assessment in
Since March 2018, Dorothee Bär has been the Federal order to harness the positive potential of the digital
Government Commissioner for Digital Affairs as transformation for people. Especially with regard
Minister of State at the Federal Chancellery. Tasks for to artificial intelligence, this is a cornerstone of the
digital policy and strategic IT management have been Federal Government’s strategy and is also being
pooled at the Federal Chancellery.
addressed in the Plattform Lernende Systeme and
the Study Commission on Artificial Intelligence.
16GERMAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY – 2018 Update
II. Implementation status of the
German Sustainable Development
Strategy
1. Peer review Members of the expert group
Helen Clark, head of the international peer group,
As announced in the German Sustainable former New Zealand Prime Minister and until April
Development Strategy at the start of 2017, 2017 Administrator of the United Nations Development
the Federal Government tasked the German Programme (UNDP) (Chair).
Sustainable Development Council with conducting Adolfo Ayuso-Audry, Director-General in the Office
an international peer review of German sustainable of the President of Mexico responsible for the
development policy. The participating experts implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
came from Mexico, Belgium, Switzerland, China, Karl Falkenberg, former Director-General for
South Africa, the Netherlands, France, Norway, Environment at the European Commission and until June
the UK and Canada. 2017 Special Representative of European Commission
President Juncker for Sustainable Development.
International peer reviews had already been
Julie Gelfand, Canada’s Commissioner of Environment
carried out in 2009 and 2013. However, the latest
and Sustainable Development since 2014.
expert report is the first to take the 2030 Agenda
into account. Virginie Helias, Vice President, Global Sustainability at
Procter & Gamble.
The Federal Government’s aim with this latest Lailai Li, China, Director of the World Resources Institute.
peer review was to obtain a neutral overview of
Namhla Mniki-Mangaliso, Director of African Monitor,
the strengths and weaknesses of its own activities. a regional civil-society network.
Because of the timing – it was published a few
weeks after the government was formed – the Joost Oorthuizen, Director of the Sustainable Trade
peer review served as a kind of initial stocktake Initiative based in the Netherlands.
for German sustainable development policy in the Teresa Ribera, Director of the IDDRI, institute for
new legislative period. sustainable development and international relations
in Paris.
Procedure Jan-Gustav Strandenaes, independent expert with
more than 40 years’ experience in UN sustainable
In May 2017, the then Head of the Federal development policy in cooperation with civil society
Chancellery, Peter Altmaier, charged the former and governments.
Prime Minister of New Zealand and former Farooq Ullah, Co-President of UK Stakeholders for
Administrator of the United Nations Development Sustainable Development and one of the Directors of
Programme Helen Clark with chairing the peer Stakeholder Forum.
review group. Subsequently, she selected the
other ten members of the expert group together At a meeting in Frankfurt in September 2017, the
with the Sustainable Development Council and the peers decided on the priorities for their review.
Federal Chancellery. The group’s work was assisted A six-week stakeholder survey was then carried
in technical and organisational terms by the office out from mid-October 2017. All input was made
of the Sustainable Development Council. available to the expert group. A working week was
held in Berlin in February 2018, during which the
peers held talks with participants and stakeholders
of German sustainable development policy. Over
the course of the week, the experts spoke to nearly
100 representatives from the private sector, civil
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