VNR 2025 Contribution by Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB)

For the German Trade Union Confederation (Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund – DGB) and its affiliates, the German Sustainability Strategy and the 2030 Agenda serve as key guidelines for combining inclusive growth with social and gender-equitable progress within planetary boundaries.

Given the tangible impacts of recent crises, climate change and geopolitical shifts, a strong and holistic sustainability framework is more important than ever. This challenge can only be met through the collaboration of politics, society, business and trade unions.

The current Sustainable Development Strategy acknowledges the significance of various stakeholders. However, the process should be made more transparent, and more direct interaction between the governance of the Sustainable Development Strategy and key actors should be ensured – for example through stronger institutional links via the State Secretaries’ Committee.

Furthermore, greater emphasis must be placed on embedding the Sustainable Development Strategy across society, within companies, and directly among people on the ground. To achieve this, existing structures need to be strengthened and expanded. Through trade union work in companies and regions, the DGB is working to improve people's living and working conditions in concrete ways.

On an international level, cooperation must be strengthened, and knowledge transfer facilitated. Together with the International Trade Union Confederation, the DGB is advocating for workers' rights worldwide through the “Time for 8” campaign, aiming to raise global living standards and achieve a just transition.