Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is a German development cooperation agency that works to improve living conditions and promote sustainable development in developing and transition countries around the world. It was founded in 1960 and is based in Bonn and Eschborn, Germany. The organization operates on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and other public and private sector clients. GIZ implements a wide range of development projects and programs in areas such as economic development, health, education, renewable energy, and environmental protection. It also provides technical and financial assistance to support these efforts and works closely with other organizations, including governments, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners. In addition to its development work, GIZ also provides services in the fields of peace and security, governance and democracy, and international relations. It operates in more than 130 countries around the world and employs more than 17,000 people.