Wind turbines in front of sunset

    Impact & climate Focus

    Development impact as a yardstick

    What we achieve in developing and emerging countries through our support of private enterprises by providing long-term financing and advisory services is DEG’s key yardstick. For many years we have been committed to sustainable development as outlined in the United Nations' 2030 Agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2030 Agenda aims to improve living conditions for all people and protect the planet. The principle of sustainable development is embedded in DEG’s business strategy, applying to dealings with customers and partners as well as the way we run our own business.

    Focus on impact & climate

    In its work DEG, as an impact and climate financier, is focusing even more keenly on

    • further enhancing the positive development impact of its customers’ investments on society and the environment;
    • combatting climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 degree goal following a science-based transformation pathway in order to make DEG’s portfolio net-zero in 2040;
    • protecting people and the environment through recognised environmental and social (E&S) standards, and promoting sustainable and resilient business models;
    • actively supporting its clients with their transformation towards greater sustainability, climate protection, and long-term economic success.

    How we consistently pursue and implement this path as an impact and climate financier is set out in our Impact Climate Commitment, which was established in 2022 and updated in 2024. The even stronger integration of impact, climate protection, and environmental and social sustainability is reflected for the first time in the correspondingly expanded Sustainability Commitments 2026.

    These describe how DEG implements sustainable development in concrete terms, with clear targets for impact, climate protection, and the protection of people and the environment. We document the progress of our journey transparently in our annual Development Report.

    DEG Sustainability Commitments 2026

    Our development impact worldwide

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    A guide to our standards

    With our involvement, we are actively working to establish and disseminate international environmental, social and corporate governance standards. Here you will find information about our way of working and about the guidelines we adhere to.

    More on our standards

    Sustainability in action

    We expect sustainable business practices from our business partners. To the same degree we set ourselves high standards in order to operate economically and under environmentally and socially responsible conditions.

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    Comprehensive reporting

    For years, DEG’s actions have been guided by the principle of sustainability. We provide detailed information on the non-financial aspects of our activities and their sustainable impact.

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    Additional information

    Responsibility

    DEG has made a commitment to act responsibly and transparently according to the principles of good governance. Here you can find more information on this topic.

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    Development impacts

    Our work benefits people, businesses and countries. We ensure our customers can maximise opportunities, open up new markets and compete successfully. Here you can find the latest studies on our impact.

    Further reports

    Business Support Services

    With our Business Support Services we can help businesses boost their performance, increase growth and enhance the developmental impact of their schemes. Corporate governance, further training of employees and suppliers, risk management, environmental and social management, and resource and energy efficiency are fields of application of BSS. Some of the costs can be met by DEG.

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