In the 20th legislative period, the Federal Cabinet adopted the continued development of the German Sustainability Strategy PDF, 2 MB, barrierefrei (DNS--German Sustainability Strategy). It is titled “Shaping transformation together fairly”. The adopted version builds on the strategy from March 2021. It is based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. 

The public also had the opportunity to contribute their own ideas through various participation processes. In addition, discussions were held with experts from associations and scientific institutions, ensuring the German Sustainability Strategy remains as closely aligned as possible with the real world. 

The Federal Government launched its first sustainability strategy in 2002, since when it has been regularly updated. This sustainability policy therefore represents continuity in government actions and has been oriented around the 17 global sustainability goals since 2015. In the coalition agreement, the CDU/CSU and SPD have committed to the goals of the German Sustainability Strategy. 

Five years left to achieve sustainability goals

In order to achieve the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, efforts to date need to be stepped up and accelerated. The number of people suffering from hunger has risen worldwide, due not least to the effects of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. Access to basic sanitation for all has also not yet been guaranteed. For this reason, a faster pace is needed at both the national and international levels. The new strategy builds on this. It aims for a world without hunger, poverty or discrimination. 

Strengthening the social dimension of sustainability

A particular concern of the DNS--German Sustainability Strategy 2025 is the social dimension of sustainability. This integral part of the 2030 Agenda formulates the aspiration to leave no one behind and reduce inequalities. In order to reduce inequalities, more educational opportunities and fair working conditions must be established, while at the same time minimising discrimination. 

Social justice requires that educational and earning opportunities are not dependent on social background. Gender equality and the social participation of young people, older people and people with disabilities are key concerns for the continued development of the DNS--German Sustainability Strategy. 

Preserving the natural foundations of life

Sustainable development also includes environmental and economic dimensions. Preserving the natural foundations of life – such as readily available and clean water, healthy air, fertile soil, a stable climate and resilient ecosystems – also preserves the basic essentials needed for human development. The goal is therefore a greenhouse gas-neutral, environmentally friendly Germany with an intact and diverse natural environment. Preserving natural resources and protecting the climate have a positive impact on economic development. 

Transformation areas and levers

The strategy presented here focuses on the six transformation areas in which there is a great need for action in order to achieve the targets by 2030. These were defined through the continued development of the 2021 sustainability strategy: 

• human well-being and capabilities, social justice;
• energy transition and climate protection;
• circular economy;
• sustainable building and transportation transformation;
• sustainable agricultural and food systems;
• pollutant-free environment.

It also describes government action using five instruments to achieve the goals:

• social mobilisation and participation;
• finances;
• international responsibility and co-operation;
• research, innovation and digitalisation;
• governance.

In all of its actions, the German Sustainable Development Strategy also takes into account the cross-border effects of national actions. The measures must be designed in such a way that they do not hinder the implementation of the sustainability goals in other countries.

Here you can access the Continued development of the German Sustainability Strategy.