The further development and practical realisation of sustainable business is still a major challenge to industrialised nations, developing countries and newly industrialising economies (NIEs) alike. To meet this challenge, entrepreneurial reflections and action are needed.

The InWent promotes the international dialogue and an exchange of experience on sustainability in business as well as the development and use of concrete instruments for sustainable business by strengthening the initiatives of industry, building up local training and consultancy capacities and providing back-up services for businesses introducing environmental and social management systems.

Successful, sustainable foreign economic affairs presuppose a dialogue at political and civil society levels.

InWEnt has the appropriate programs, which allow participants to become familiar with international regulations, and the political and social structure in the partner country, as well as acquiring international hands-on and language skills.

Within the framework of human resources and organisational development, InWEnt is making its contribution, by tapping knowledge capital for individual further training and by optimising the performance capacity of organisations and institutions that have the mandate to act in this area. The focus of its work is on environmental policy, energy and climate protection, water use, the management of natural resources, agro-biodiversity and green biotechnology, food security and consumer protection.

InWEnt tackles this topic on an inter-departmental basis, concentrating on crisis prevention, peace education, conflict management and peace-building, disaster prevention and disaster management, security policy and conflicts over resources.

InWEnt supports reform projects in the fields of health, education and basic social services, so as to enhance the quality and sustainability of the systems, and to ensure access for the poor. Our HIV/AIDS programmes aim to achieve improvements not only in the health sector, but also in terms of jobs and social security.

InWEnt’s work strengthens key competencies, such as the ability to conduct a dialogue and the ability to facilitate complex development processes, so as to encourage cooperation between the public and the private sector, and to involve civil society in the planning and decision-making processes.

InWEnt supports reform processes in partner countries, which aim to ensure responsible and efficient government action. It promote effective government, which gears its actions to universal standards of participation, transparency and accountability, and which guarantees citizens a minimum of security and prosperity.

InWEnt’s International Leadership Training addresses itself to skilled employees and managers from developing and transforming countries who are working in government departments, organisations or enterprises. After a six month preparation phase participants spend an entire year in Germany. During their stay they deepen their professional know-how and broaden their skills in the field of initiation and management of development processes. A four month internship phase at a German company helps participants to reinforce newly acquired knowledge and to tie professional contacts.

Participants are usually nominated for application by project partner organisations or employers. For International Leadership Training courses currently available see the website: Course Overview.

The International Climate Protection Fellowship awarded by the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation adresses itself to prospective leaders from a non-European threshold or developing country working in the field of climate protection and resource conservation in academia, business or administration in her/his home country. The fellowship will enable the recipients to conduct a research-related project of their own choice with hosts in Germany whom they are free to choose themselves. They must have completed their first university degree (Bachelor’s or comparable academic degree) and hold a further academic or professional qualification.

In addition to applicants who have been trained in the natural and engineering sciences, candidates who have been engaged in legal, economic and societal issues relating to climate change are encouraged to apply for this programme.