On February 24, 2025, the Deutsche Post Foundation released the following statement:
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Strategic Realignment of the Deutsche Post Stiftung: Prioritizing Climate and Sustainability
Following the end of funding from DHL Group (formerly Deutsche Post AG), the Deutsche Post Stiftung (DPS) is undergoing a strategic realignment. Under its new name, Stiftung Globale Nachhaltigkeit (SGN), it will focus on climate, nature, and sustainability issues.
As part of this transition, DPS will become a grant-making foundation, supporting external projects and organizations through the Stiftungsfonds Umweltökonomie und Nachhaltigkeit (SUN). This means it will no longer operate its own research institutes. In this context, DPS has made the difficult decision to discontinue operations at the Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit (IZA) as of December 31, 2025.
At the same time, DPS recognizes the importance of the international IZA research network, which has established itself as a leading and highly respected global hub for labor market research. To preserve this legacy, efforts are underway to explore alternative funding sources, partnerships, and organizational models for the network. The IZA Network Advisory Panel, who were not part of the decision, will be asked to assist in this. The goal is to present the results in June 2025.
DPS fully recognizes the uncertainty this transition creates for all employees at the Bonn-based institute. Individual agreements will be developed to avoid compulsory redundancies and to help minimize the impact on employees’ careers and livelihoods.
The foundation expresses its deep appreciation for the exceptional dedication of all researchers and staff who have shaped IZA over the years. Their work has not only advanced research and international collaboration in labor economics but has also provided valuable contributions to labor market and social policy debates worldwide. Looking back on more than 25 years of achievements supported by the private funding and general leadership of DPS, we are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished. As we move forward, we are committed to supporting efforts to ensure that the spirit and impact of this research community continues into the future.
The President and the Board of Trustees
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