Professional Development Workers Guiding Principles

The “Professional Development Workers Guiding Principles”, updated in May 2023, describes a common understanding of International Personnel Cooperation in accordance with the Development Workers Act by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the seven development service agencies recognised by the state.

Currently, 892 professional development workers are completing a development service in 85 different countries. They are involved in food security, education, technical solutions, resource conservation, economic development and civil peace service. In doing so, they make an important contribution to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Agenda 2030. Their commitment goes beyond professional support: Through personal encounters, professional development workers promote an intercultural exchange and contribute to a more tolerant and cosmopolitan society. Professional development workers also benefit personally from their development service: Through the newly acquired perspectives, they broaden their personal and professional skills. After returning home, they incorporate them into the German society – many continue to be involved in development cooperation and peaceful international coexistence.