DM: Minister Müller, what does effective development policy in the 21st century look like?
Dr Gerd Müller: We live in a world in which everything is interconnected: one person's wealth with another's exploitation, European consumption with the global climate. Important questions such as climate change and population growth demand new answers. We are adjusting German Development Cooperation accordingly. Part of this is that our partners in developing countries have to do more. They must demonstrate tangible progress, in particular though reforms for good governance, compliance with human rights, and the fight against corruption. To states that are willing to make these changes, we offer substantial reform partnerships. Public funding, however, is not sufficient. The often rather young companies in developing countries need economic development above all, and this in turn requires private investment. This is why we started the Development Investment Fund, not only for the African economy but also for German companies.
How many countries does the German government currently work with in terms of development policy?
We currently work with 85 countries, but we wish to focus even more on this work in the future. Part of this process, however, is that German development policy complies with its global responsibilities. After all, development policy is peace, climate and environmental policy. The world of today is a global village. Germany contains a mere 1.1 per cent of the world's population. However, one in every two people – that is, over 50 per cent of the world's population – lives in a developing or emerging country.
A few weeks ago, you presented the "Green Button", along with a number of other companies. What exactly is it about?
Before the Green Button was implemented, people did not know what the various textile symbols meant when they went shopping. Are they thorough and trustworthy? Do they cover fair working conditions or only certify organic cotton? The green button takes all this into consideration and makes conscientious shopping much easier. What is special about the Green Button is that it is the first certificate for socially, ecologically and sustainably produced textiles. Apart from that, it is also the first textile certificate that evaluates not just the product but the company behind it. This means that a company that merely puts a green product on the market as an "alibi", while otherwise trampling on human rights, does not have a chance. Reviewers such as the TÜV ensure criteria are respected. This way, we can put an end to greenwashing.
Just one per cent of German foreign investment goes to Africa. Many companies complain of a lack of legal security. How can the commitment of German investors and enterprises in African countries be encouraged?
The growth markets of the future are African. Six of the 10 fastest growing economies are in Africa. Countries such as Ethiopia, The Ivory Coast or Ghana have economic growth rates of seven per cent. The German economy needs to be a part of this. Companies seeking to invest in Africa often lack financial backing, which is why we have established the Development Investment Fund. We are closing the gap in terms of incentives to invest in Africa and thus offering to take a share of the risk. In the future, German and European companies could receive loans under very attractive conditions, but investments will only be incentivised if they're sustainable. There have to be advantages on the ground, such as education or skilled employment.
In an interview with "Zeit Online", General Secretary for Welthungerhilfe, Mathias Mogge, criticised the fact that German development aid is being sent principally to conflict and crises-ridden, emerging countries; that is, it is being implemented in accordance with a migration and political security agenda. According to him, there is a lack of involvement in countries without open conflict. What is your opinion on this?
Of course we help people in conflict and crisis-ridden countries. Think of the dramatic situation in and around Syria. There are still 10 million people fleeing conflict there alone. People have been sleeping in tents for the last seven years. Our investment is in pure survival. We created the program "Perspektive Heimat" for millions of refugees in the most crisis-stricken regions on the continent, where we have also established advice and employment centres. But if we understand development policy as I stated it at the beginning, then it is quite clear that other regions are also important.
People in less developed countries are bearing the brunt of global warming. Last year, your ministry founded the Alliance for Development and Climate; can you tell us about it?
Climate action is a question of human survival. And we have less and less time to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement. The damage caused by the CO2 emissions of developed and emerging countries takes a disproportionate toll on developing countries in Africa: drought, natural catastrophes, forced migration. We already have an estimated 20 million climate refugees. Corporations, public authorities and civil society organisations from the Alliance for Development and Climate want to remain climate neutral by avoiding and reducing CO2 emissions as much as possible. What is left over is compensated for through projects in developing and emerging countries, principally through the creation of renewable energy, reforestation and the protection of existing forests. Measures against climate change are particularly effective in these areas. We will never reach our climate goals if Africa and India satisfy their hunger for energy mainly with coal and oil. Most importantly, Africa has to become a green continent for renewable energy. For that we need additional tools such as funding programs for renewable technology in Africa. We will not be able to save the climate in Germany alone.
You recently called for a ban on microplastics and a halt to the export of plastic waste from industrial to developing countries. This also affects countries in the EU. Do you think this proposal will gain in popularity and support in Europe?
Waste is becoming a matter of global survival, just like climate change. In 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans. Billions of people live in places without waste collection. Fundamentally, we need to stop EU plastic exports. Developing countries cannot be the waste heap of our wealth. Waste is not rubbish, it is a valuable raw material. Together with Indonesia, Ghana and more than 30 economic and scientific organisations, I founded the PREVENT Waste Alliance. With the help of economic and scientific partners, the aim is to bring to emerging and developing countries both technology and knowledge on how to avoid, recycle and dispose of waste.
The Alliance has agreed on concrete projects: In Ghana we are constructing a system to recycle the largest dump of electronic waste in Africa. Up to 10,000 people will be educated and employed. In Indonesia, investments are being made in modern waste disposal sites and sorting facilities.
Minister Müller, thank you for the interview.
INTERVIEW Enrico Blasnik