Foundation stone laid GIZ invests 256 million euros in Bonn
Bonn · A foundation stone was laid at the GIZ campus in Bonn. It is expected that 850 employees will move into the new building in 2019. Leaders say it strengthens Bonn’s international role.
The German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation (GIZ) laid the foundation stone on Tuesday for a new office building at their campus on Friedrich-Ebert-Allee in Bonn. With 28,000 square meters, it will offer work space for 850 staff. The cost of the new building is estimated at 158 million euros. Added to a new GIZ training center in Bonn-Röttgen and a first building phase, this means GIZ has invested a total of 256 million euros in Bonn, offering 1,300 jobs.
“The investment underscores GIZ’s commitment to its registered office in Bonn,” said Tanja Gönner, Chair of the GIZ Management Board. The new building is the largest investment ever for GIZ. And it’s not without justification, there are many ties to neighboring organizations in Bonn. Says Gönner, “‘As GIZ we are delighted to be part of Bonn, the global capital for sustainability and climate protection.”
Dorothee Fielder, Director-General at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), gave reference to the many challenges requiring international cooperation, including climate protection and the UN Agenda 2030. She noted that development policy was an important topic which will continue to play a big role in the future. Their work was not about quick success but rather about achievement in the long run.
Franz-Josef Lersch-Mense, Minister of Federal Affairs, Europe and Media as well as Head of the State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia, said this was an important building block for establishing Bonn’s international role. Lord Mayor Ashok Sridharan saw it similarly and said that the presence of GIZ was a big win for Bonn.
GIZ Managing Director Hans-Joachim Preuß explained how sustainability played a role in the building design. The roof of the building will be equipped with a photovoltaic system, solar thermal energy will be gained, and rain water will be used as a coolant.
In German, GIZ is the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit. It offers a wide range of services on sustainable development worldwide in the fields of financial and job market development, energy and environment, peace and security. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), located in Bonn, is the main contract provider for GIZ. (Orig. text: Bettina Köhl)
