'Diversity – Driver for Development' is the Spotlight of the Year 2010, which, for the first time, is being jointly promoted by GTZ and KfW. The very mention of ‘diversity’ conjures up images of the multifarious peoples and languages that exist throughout the world, the wide variety of animal and plant species, the wealth of knowledge, the multiform world of art and culture, and the near endless choice of consumer goods at our disposal. Does this diversity represent a value in itself? To what extent is diversity reflected in development cooperation and in GTZ's work?

Managing diversity

Diversity stands for freedom of choice and the interaction of different perspectives. For example, we promote social and political pluralism so that everyone involved can actively help shape their own future. Diversity provides the foundation for all further development, but only if we tap into the existing potential. Particularly in international cooperation, it is always important to reconcile the demands of different interest groups as a basis for opening up new areas of action. GTZ helps its partners to recognise and take a constructive approach to diversity so that conflict is avoided and actions are purposeful and coordinated. Diversity must be managed if it is to trigger and drive sustainable development. Managing diversity is a key element of GTZ's work, as projects in different regions and cultures require tailor-made solutions that take account of the diverse nature of the individual societies and leverage this diversity to overcome existing problems. We support our partners by providing a wide range of services and instruments that can tap into diversity and manage it through development processes.

This year, for the first time, GTZ and KfW are using the same spotlight. With ‘Diversity – Driver for Development’, GTZ and KfW are working with a common vision for the benefit of their partner countries and at the same time showing how technical and financial cooperation intermesh.