Our Services
Südwind works throughout Austria via a network of offices in seven federal states. Campaigns are designed and implemented in close cooperation with international partners. Südwind is globally connected, be it with trade unions in Central America, civil society organizations in East Africa, labour rights organizations in South Asia or educational organizations throughout Europe.
Study and Research
On regular study and research trips, our experts get insights on the situation on the ground and get in touch directly with civil society organizations, research institutes, affected people, authorities and politicians in countries of the Global South.
Conversely, we organize speaker tours where experts from the Global South can share their knowledge with the Austrian public at press events, political roundtables or as part of further training.
Educational Work
Südwind’s educational work makes complicated contexts understandable and strengthens skills for critical and responsible global citizens. With further education programs in the form of Austria-wide workshops, seminars, exhibitions and consulting services, we promote a view of the global interdependencies of our time and encourage people to face challenges and stand up for justice.
Together with teachers and experts throughout Austria as well as international partners, Südwind develops high-quality teaching materials and training programs. The offer is aimed at all areas of education – from elementary education, schools and youth work to adult education. The programs are also aimed at public bodies and employees in municipalities, authorities and educational institutions. These include transcultural training for successful coexistence, workshops on preventing extremism and courses on socially fair procurement.
Clean Clothes Campaign
Südwind has been coordinating the Clean Clothes Campaign in Austria since 2001. The Clean Clothes Campaign campaigns for fair working conditions in the clothing, leather and sporting goods industry and is supported by an international network of civil society organizations, employee representatives and social enterprises.
Südwind-Magazin
Südwind is the publisher of Südwind-Magazin, an editorially independent bi-monthly magazine focusing on international politics, culture and development. Südwind-Magazin has its own statutes, an editorial board and is mainly financed by subscriptions and advertisements.
Südwind Buchwelt
Südwind is a co-owner of Südwind Buchwelt – a specialist bookshop and store for world music and Fairtrade products with two branches in Vienna (Mariahilfer Straße 8, 1070 Vienna and Schwarzspanierstraße 15, 1090 Vienna).
Consultative Status at UN ECOSOC
Südwind has had consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC) since 2009. This allows us to participate in UN conferences in Vienna, Geneva and New York, organize parallel events (side events), make statements and submit written submissions on negotiating points. Our work focuses on the sessions of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
UNFCCC Observer
Since 2023, Südwind has had observer status at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and thus has access to the negotiations at the UN climate summits, Conference of the Parties (COP).
