The Programme Office for Social and Ecological Standards supports those involved in developing and implementing social and ecological standards and passes on the experience gained through advisory services to development cooperation projects. We also see ourselves as a partner and intermediary in dialogue with government agencies, the private sector, trade unions and non-governmental organisations.

However, our activities on their own cannot establish standards as an instrument of sustainable development in the long term. One of the primary aims of the Programme Office is therefore to find allies in this important endeavour. Other development cooperation projects, but also the private sector and other social actors need to be mobilised into integrating standards development and implementation into their activities.

We support the stakeholders’ efforts with a broad array of services:

• advice to ministries and projects on the effective application of standards
• information and training for personnel and cooperation partnerships with other German development organisations
• documentation and assessment of good practices in defining and implementing standards
• facilitating and setting up strategic alliances among government, business and industry, non-governmental organisations, trade unions and development organisations
• assisting disadvantaged groups in developing countries seeking to take part in defining standards
• promotion and build-up of local advisory and auditing capacities
• assistance in gaining economic benefits from standards, e.g. through contact management among actors in the supply chain and through marketing advice
• advising government agencies, business enterprises and standard initiatives on the participatory development and implementation of standards.

These activities will help stabilise or expand initiatives for developing and implementing standards. Government agencies, associations, non-governmental organisations, certification bodies and businesses will address the issue of standards for sustainable development and jointly implement them.

The Programme Office thus contributes to improving working and living conditions for employees in companies and for those living nearby. It helps to conserve natural resources, strengthen the rights of employees, and shape the globalisation process, making it more socially equitable and ecologically sound.

The Programme Office concentrates on four components:

• forest certification
• organic agriculture
• social standards
• code of conduct for the coffee sector