Center for Global Development

Overview

The Center for Global Development (CGD) is an independent, non-profit policy research organization dedicated to reducing global poverty and inequality. CGD focuses on the policies of the U.S., other rich countries, and the global institutions that shape opportunities that poor people in developing countries have. With rigorous empirical research, CGD creates new ideas and fosters informed debate to promote practical, innovative policy alternatives to make the global economy work better for poor people.

Mission

CGD is dedicated to reducing global poverty and inequality through policy research and engagement with the policy community and the public. CGD develops policy alternatives that promote equitable growth and participatory development, and, in collaboration with civil society groups, advocates for the translation of policy ideas into policy reforms.

Program

Policy Research: CGD studies pivotal issues of development policy.

Development Aid: Effective development assistance, debt relief and donor accountability practices, and develops policy alternatives and delivery innovations.

Global Health and Education: Impact of global health, HIV/AIDS, population and education on development, and innovative solutions to health and education financing.

Global Inclusion: Inequality and its impact on growth and stability; the challenges of global economic governance -- roles of the World Bank, the IMF, and other multilateral institutions.

Migration: Impact of large-scale migration presents to global development and poverty reduction, including "brain drain" and labor mobility.

Trade: Links between trade and poverty, agricultural subsidies, bilateral vs. multilateral trade negotiations, and intellectual property rights.

Strategic Communication: We use strategic communications tools including: policy briefs; events that draw current and former policy makers, academics, analysts and advocates; and a website that features CGD work.

Targeted Outreach: CGD reaches each of its key target audiences: U.S. executive and legislative branch officials and their counterparts in other rich nations; development scholars; media outlets; and the general public.

Impact

CGD has a strong track record of contributing to specific policy changes through careful analysis and focused communication of research results. In its first five years, CGD’s work has been instrumental in encouraging donors to organize an Advance Market Commitment to stimulate private investment in neglected disease research; in facilitating international action to reduce debt in Nigeria; and in influencing the policies and practices of US foreign assistance. CGD’s Commitment to Development Index is used in many capitals to assess national contributions to “development friendly" policy.