The German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) launched the German Sustainability Action Days on the occasion of the United Nations World Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in 2012.
German Sustainability Action Days; Photo: RNE
It’s that time again! This year, we once more invite dedicated initiatives, organisations, and individuals to demonstrate how the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be put into practice in everyday life – with creativity, commitment, and real impact, whether locally, within communities, or across Germany.
The German Sustainability Action Days will take place from 18 September to 8 October 2026.
The aim of Action Days
The Action Days aim to showcase outstanding initiatives across Germany within a defined period, raise public awareness of sustainability, and inspire more people to take action. Everyone can help drive positive change. The more people get involved, the stronger the message we send together.
With this in mind, the German Sustainability Action Days are open to everyone: individuals, clubs and associations, initiatives, foundations, schools, nurseries, universities, churches, businesses, social institutions, environmental and development organisations, municipalities, public utilities, public authorities, and government bodies.
Giving visibility to inspiring initiatives
Your activities will be featured on the “Joint Action for Sustainable Development” platform, making them visible to a wider audience. Selected initiatives will also be highlighted on our social media channels as inspiring flagship projects, giving them even greater reach.
Let’s work together to send a strong signal for sustainability in Germany – and be part of it!
We are also sending this message beyond Germany: since 2015, the German Sustainability Action Days have been part of the European Sustainable Development Week, which brings together participants from across Europe. By taking part in the Action Days in Germany, you automatically contribute to the European initiative – with no additional effort required.
Further information on the German Sustainability Action Days is available on the “Joint Action for Sustainable Development” platform: The German Sustainability Action Days – Joint Action for Sustainable Development
German Sustainability Action Days 2025
With strong participation from all federal states, the German Sustainability Action Days 2025 concluded successfully. A total of 1,630 activities were registered, organised by schools, associations, municipalities, companies, and individuals. All of them used the Action Days to highlight their tangible contributions to sustainability. Each activity was linked to one of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Climate Action (SDG 13) accounting for the largest share.
To the press release: “Nachhaltigkeit bundesweit sichtbar: Aktionstage 2025 mit starker Beteiligung” (in German)
Manuela Piott
German Council for Sustainable Development
Junior Project Manager
manuela.piott@nachhaltigkeitsrat.de
+49 (0) 30 338424-937
Office c/o GIZ GmbH
Potsdamer Platz 10
10785 Berlin
