About us
BGZ was founded in 1983 on the initiative of the then Governing Mayor of Berlin, Richard von Weizsäcker. Our roots lie in cooperation with Turkey. Since then, we have successfully implemented more than 120 projects throughout Europe.
With our areas of operation, we set priorities for the challenges of our time, such as adapting to climate change, decarbonising the economy, promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence and strengthening social cohesion. Moreover, our work is characterised by sustainability and innovation.
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Unser Team
Managing DirectorNicola Humpert
Tel. +49 (30) 809941-16humpert@bgz-berlin.de
Financial ControllingJohn Haaske
Tel. +49 (30) 809941-22haaske@bgz-berlin.de
Project ManagerGrazyna Wittgen
Tel. +49 (30) 809941-14wittgen@bgz-berlin.de
Project ManagerChristine Sauter
Tel. +49 (30) 809941-13sauter@bgz-berlin.de
Project ManagerDr. Sisira Withanachchi
Tel. +49 (30) 809941-15withanachchi@bgz-berlin.de- Project Manager
Dr. Ines Klemm
Tel. +49 (30) 809941-15klemm@bgz-berlin.de 
Project ManagerRouven Stukenberg
Tel. +49 (30) 809941-12stukenberg@bgz-berlin.de
Project AssistantJakob Fritsch
Tel. +49 (30) 809941-18Fritsch@bgz-berlin.de
Student AssistantLiv Grüneberger
Tel. +49 (30) 809941-11grueneberger@bgz-berlin.de- Student Assistant
Flores Schütze
Tel. +49 (30) 809941-15schuetze@bgz-berlin.de 
Project ManagerCarola Dierich (on parental leave)
Tel. +49 (30) 809941-18dierich@bgz-berlin.de
Our Shareholders
The shareholders of BGZ are the State of Berlin and the Berlin Chamber of Crafts. Through our shareholders, we are networked with state institutions, vocational training centres and over 150,000 companies in Berlin's economy.
Our partners include guilds, associations, vocational education schools and training centres, universities, as well as the fire brigade and the police. This combination of business and government ensures practical projects and guarantees the sustainable utilisation of project results. Interdepartmental projects, for example in the Oder region, in the Health Masterplan or in the field of electromobility, support the development of clusters in Berlin's economic policy.
Our Identity and Goals
BGZ Berliner Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit is a long-standing expert in planning and implementing EU projects and fostering international cooperation. With innovative, cross-sectoral approaches, we work alongside our partners to develop forward-thinking ideas, strategies, and solutions for today’s challenges.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do—not just in our operations, but also in the design and execution of our projects. For us, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is a guiding principle. In line with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we are a member of the Gemeinschaftswerk Nachhaltigkeit (Joint Initiative for Sustainability) and the Berlin Sustainability Implementation Alliance. Our in-house sustainability strategy reinforces this commitment.
Our work extends beyond Berlin and Europe. We strengthen partnerships with Berlin’s twin cities at both state and district levels, including collaborations in the Global South. Together, we build global connections that drive long-term sustainable development.
Education and vocational training
Together with educational institutions and universities, we help prepare young people for their future. Our innovative projects in vocational education foster the skills of tomorrow.
Securing skilled labour
The shortage of skilled workers is a major challenge, and we actively address it. By making vocational training more attractive and preparing international talent for the Berlin labour market, we make a decisive contribution.
Collaboration and networking
We promote close cooperation between vocational education, research, and industry. Through cross-sector projects, we create synergies that benefit both educational institutions and businesses.
Our Network
One of our guarantors of success is the very broad BGZ network. It includes ministries, municipal administrations, chambers, associations, educational institutions and non-governmental organisations in Berlin, in almost all EU countries and partner cities such as Windhoek, Namibia. We have worked with some of our partner organisations for many years. The expertise of our partners ensures the quality of our work, and the trust they place in us is the basis of our successful cooperation.
The joint realisation of projects within the framework of city partnerships at district and state level is of particular importance to us.
We are delighted when our network grows and are open to new co-operations. Do you have ideas for new projects or cooperations? Please feel free to contact us!