The German Council for Sustainable Development established the German Sustainability Action Days (DAN) in 2012 on the occasion of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).
The aim of the Action Days is to enhance visibility throughout Germany of real commitment that sets an example to others, to foster public awareness of the topic of sustainability and to inspire more people to undertake a commitment to sustainability. Every individual can help change things for the better. With that in mind, the Sustainability Action Days are aimed at everyone in Germany. The more people get involved, the stronger the signal is that we can send out together with the German Sustainability Action Days.
The German Sustainability Action Days take place every year. In 2021 they took place from 20 September to 26 September 2021. To allow as many people as possible to participate, initiatives implemented from 18 September up to and including 8 October were also considered. Initiatives were able to register via this site.
Part of the European Sustainable Development Week
Since 2015 the Sustainability Action Days have been held as part of the European Sustainable Development Week, which is an initiative founded by Germany, France and Austria in which people from all over Europe can participate. In Germany, participants in the Action Days are also automatically participants in the European Sustainable Development Week. This means that without added time and effort, participants can give their activities Europe-wide visibility.
You can find the most important information at a glance here:
1. Who can take part in the German Sustainability Action Days?
Anyone who would like to support implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via a concrete initiative can take part. This includes action groups, foundations, schools, nursery schools, universities, churches, businesses, social institutions, environmental and development associations, communities, municipal utilities, authorities, public offices and ministries, and individuals who would like to launch an initiative. The more people get involved, the stronger the signal is that we can send out together with the German Sustainability Action Days.
2. What kinds of initiatives are eligible?
All initiatives must tie in with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), so everyone who participates in the German Sustainability Action Days is asked to state which of the global goals their initiative is designed to support.
Initiatives can be any activities that take place within the set timeframe of the Action Days and raise public awareness of the wide-ranging steps being taken to foster sustainable development in Germany. Your initiative could be anything from a panel discussion to a sustainable cookery seminar or a clothes exchange party, regardless of whether five or 1,000 people take part and if it takes place inside or outside. Show the public what you are already doing or start something new. We also welcome digital initiatives such as blog competitions on the subject of sustainability.
Why not read through our examples (in German) to find some inspiration and use our checklist to prepare your initiative?
All initiatives should go beyond “business as usual” and commercial interests. Merely advertising products and/or services does not constitute an eligible initiative.
3. How can I submit details of an initiative?
You can submit initiative details for the next German Sustainability Action Days via the “Set up account” (in German) page from February 2022.
Set up an account using a valid email address. If you already have an account, you can use that.
Log in using the password sent to you.
Under “Account”, you will find the option “My initiatives” in the menu to the right. You can submit details of your initiative there.
4. Can I submit details of several initiatives?
Yes. You can register as many initiatives as you like.
5. Can I edit my initiative details after they have been published?
Yes. You can edit your initiative details at any time. Please note that changes must be approved by the editorial team. This will be done within two working days.
6. How can I advertise my initiative?
The entry at www.tatenfuermorgen.de will make your initiative visible to the public. The German Council for Sustainable Development advertises the German Sustainability Action Days in general via its own channels (website, social media, newsletter) and media activities. However, you may and really should advertise your initiative yourself. For example, you could share the link to your entry via your own channels (website, social media, newsletter, etc.), inform the press and use the advertising materials (German) we provide. Our checklist (German) will help with your planning.
If you have any other questions about the Action Days which are not answered here, feel free to contact us (German website).
A total of 3,418 initiatives were held during the German Sustainability Action Days in 2021. The German Council for Sustainable Development is delighted with the ongoing commitment and would like to thank all participants for their hard work and creativity. You can find key figures, data and facts along with selected pictures on the “History” page (German).
Since 2015 the Sustainability Action Days have been held as part of the European Sustainable Development Week, which is an initiative founded by Germany, France and Austria in which people from all over Europe can participate. In Germany, participants in the Action Days are also automatically participants in the European Sustainable Development Week. This means that without added time and effort, participants can give their activities Europe-wide visibility.