INKOTA

The INKOTA-netzwerk e.V. is a development policy organization that has been tirelessly working for a just and sustainable world since its founding in 1971 in Halle (Saale) as an ecumenical working group.

Founded by Protestant and Catholic students as well as other engaged individuals, INKOTA continued the work of the "Aktionsgemeinschaft für die Hungernden," one of the first German development policy organizations. Today, INKOTA operates as an independent, non-profit association based in Berlin with a regional office in Dresden. The association is structured as a network of development policy grassroots groups, church communities, fair trade shops, and individual activists[1][4].

INKOTA's main mission is to combat hunger, defeat poverty, and shape globalization fairly. The network advocates for a socially just, ecologically sustainable, and peaceful globalization that enables all people and future generations to live in dignity and self-determined development. INKOTA promotes the vision of a life in solidarity and supports North-South partnerships[1][2].

INKOTA is engaged in various areas:

• Education, Public Relations, and Campaign Work: The network mobilizes public support for development policy issues such as the debt of developing countries, international trade and agricultural policy, and the social responsibility of globally operating companies.
• Publications: INKOTA publishes the magazine Südlink and the series INKOTA-Texte, which serve as discussion forums on development policy issues.
• Campaigns and Initiatives: Notable campaigns include "Make Chocolate Fair!", "We Are Fed Up!" for an agricultural turnaround, and the initiative "Change your Shoes" to improve working conditions in the Indian shoe industry[1].

INKOTA is engaged in numerous sustainability initiatives:

• Fair Wear Foundation and Alliance for Sustainable Textiles: The network works on improving working conditions in the textile and clothing industry.