The world has signed up to a set of development goals for 2030. Reaching these objectives will require a commitment to smart policies that maximize returns on scarce resources and draw upon evidence to maximize positive impact.
In CGD’s 20-year history, our work has led to a measurable impact on the actions of development policymakers—from our proposal to build a full-service development finance institution to changing the conversation on China’s development debt. We invite you to celebrate CGD's 20th with us, at cgdev.org/cgdat20.
Mission and Values
We work to reduce global poverty and improve lives through innovative economic research that drives better policy and practice by the world's top decision makers. We strive for excellence and intellectual rigor and believe global prosperity starts with smart policy based on evidence. Our work is nonpartisan and our recommendations are not influenced by our funders. We are willing to challenge powerful institutions and the status quo for better development practices.
We are committed to transparency, diversity, and professional and personal integrity. We recognize the inherent dignity of all persons and pledge ourselves to creating and maintaining an environment that recognizes and respects diverse groups of individuals and their experiences. We value mutual respect, a collegial work place, and a healthy sense of humor. Explore our work on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Work
CGD is currently focused on the following areas critical to development progress:
- Global Health Policy
- Migration, Displacement, and Humanitarian Policy
- Sustainable Development Finance
- Education
- Governments and Development
CGD’s Impact and Influence
Impact can take many forms—from shaping the academic consensus to turning proposals into policy. Sometimes, realizing the full potential of a good idea means letting it flower elsewhere and we take pride in our role as an incubator of initiatives—like the Energy for Growth Hub and Labor Mobility Partnerships—that first take root in CGD. CGD has helped to change global policies and practices, and has made a real difference in the lives of people in the developing world. Learn more about our impact here, and read our latest Impact Report here.
Our Leadership
Get to know our President Masood Ahmed, our Chief Operating Officer Mark Plant, and our larger management team. You can find our staff directory here.
Our Board
CGD’s Board, led by former Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers, includes influential leaders from the worlds of development, policy, finance, and academia.
Our Funding
We are funded by a diverse group of foundations, corporations, governments and individuals who care about development and value rigorous and independent research. CGD is committed to transparency and accountability, publishes all funding sources on our website, and does not accept funding that seeks to impose limits or restrictions on our independence.
We are grateful to our funders for their appreciation and support for our funding guidelines and transparency policies. CGD does not accept funding that seeks to impose limits or restrictions on our independence in research, findings, conclusions or resulting publications.
- CGD Independence Statement
- CGDE Independence Statement
- CGD and CGDE Policy on Funding Independence, Integrity, and Transparency
- CGD and CGDE Policy on Research Independence
You can view our Annual Reports here
Work with CGD
Learn about careers, fellowships, and internships at CGD.
Support CGD
Our impact depends in large part on our robust and growing networks of supporters and partners. Get involved today!
CGD's History
CGD was founded in November 2001 by Edward Scott Jr., C. Fred Bergsten, and Nancy Birdsall. A technology entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former US government official, Ed Scott provided the vision and financial commitment that made CGD possible. Fred Bergsten, director emeritus of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, lent his formidable reputation in academic and policy circles and provided CGD a temporary home within the Peterson Institute. Nancy Birdsall, a former head of the World Bank research department and executive vice president of the Inter-American Development Bank, became CGD’s first president. Her intellectual leadership attracted a cadre of researchers deeply dedicated to CGD’s mission.