Institute

SÜDWIND – carries out research for just economic relations ...

Our work at SÜDWIND is based on the conviction that there is a connection between the wealth of industrial countries and the widespread poverty in developing countries.

In many research areas, our SÜDWIND studies prove that we here in Germany—political and economic institutions as well as consumers are also responsible for the mismanagement in developing countries. More than just analyzing the problems, SÜDWIND is also searching for ways to act: How, in the interest of the poor, can the current situation be changed to incorporate global economic justice?

... and creates recommendations for campaigns

Our many solutions include:

• Advocacy to put pressure on companies and political decision makers
• Direct negotiations with the individuals responsible
• Cooperation with and support for campaigns such as erlassjahr. de (the year of debt relief), Gerechtigkeit jetzt! (justice now) or Kampagne für Saubere Kleidung (campaign for clean clothes).

SÜDWIND works closely together with other institutions, organizations concerned with development cooperation, initiatives, associations, and communities in Germany and all over the world.

The Institute of Agricultural Policy, Marketing Research and Economic Sociology has dedicated itself to the study of economic and social aspects of foodstuffs. We are interested in all aspects of the subject, from sustainable production to consumption, and we are focusing on rural areas in particular. It is our aim to maintain our status as the leading institution in this field, one that is able to compete on an international level in both research and teaching.

In the area of organic and nutritional sciences, we offer a variety of state of the art courses and lectures designed to advance research as well as benefit the individual student. We use modern teaching methods which foster our students' analytical and problem-solving skills, thus furthering the practical competence of our graduates. By extending the cooperation of institutes within our university, and by collaborating with other leading institutions, we intend to enhance the education of our PhD students. In such an atmosphere of learning, we expect to teach the future elite in our field of study.

A key focus of our research lies on qualitative and quantitative empirical analysis. It is one of our major concerns to include our institute into the interdisciplinary research program of the faculty. In addition, we are working to extend international research networks. Our research is universally relevant and applicable, and we are one of the leading research institutions in the field of nutritional and organic science. As a result, we have been able to attract funding from various third parties, thus providing our students with ample opportunities to participate in research activities at our university.

In order maximize synergistic effects, we are working towards a partnership with the Institute of Agricultural Economics.

Christian Peace Service-CFD

International Work Camps and Voluntary Services, Qualification in International Youth Work

Youth Action for Peace wants to contribute to international communication, reduce hostility and prejudices, and work on a global scale against social marginalization. To achieve these goals, we place youths in international youth meetings and voluntary services throughout the world.

Youth Action for Peace offers a variety of programs:

• Work Camps- Young people are able to live, work, and learn together in an international group for two to three weeks. Our volunteers work in social projects with children, youths, and disabled people, as well as on environment projects and peace initiatives. Working together in camps in Africa, Asia, and Latin America provides a special opportunity to get to know different countries and people. Because of the special circumstances in which these camps are situated, we offer accompanying seminars to the participants.
• Medium- and long-term Voluntary Services- Voluntary services offer the opportunity to work in non-profit projects for a longer period of between several months and a year. We work with partner organizations in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Youths are encouraged to contribute their ideas to the project and then implement them. The European Union partially finances voluntary services (European Voluntary Service).
• Qualification in International Youth Welfare Work- We train volunteers to work in leadership positions of work camps and preparatory courses. This practical training includes topics like group dynamics and self-organization, handling conflicts constructively, and the discussion of social hot topics. Our international umbrella organization Youth Action for Peace International offers a variety of seminars concerning working for peace and resolving conflicts. Voluntary work in our topic-related groups offers the opportunity to participate in a network of dedicated youths.