Global Impact
An in-depth exploration of the Center for Global Development (CGD), an influential think tank shaping international policy through rigorous research and active engagement.
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About CGD
Organization Overview
The Center for Global Development (CGD) is a nonprofit think tank dedicated to reducing global poverty and inequality. It achieves this by encouraging policy changes in developed nations through evidence-based research and active engagement with policymakers.
Locations
CGD operates with a global perspective, maintaining headquarters in two major international hubs:
- Washington, D.C., United States
- London, United Kingdom
This dual presence facilitates engagement with diverse policy environments and stakeholders.
Mission and Approach
CGD's core mission is to foster policy changes that promote global development. It positions itself as a "think and do" tank, emphasizing the translation of research findings into practical, actionable policy proposals. This approach involves rigorous analysis coupled with direct engagement with the policy community.
Founding & Evolution
Genesis and Early Years
Founded in November 2001, CGD emerged from the vision of prominent figures in international economics and policy: Edward W. Scott (former senior U.S. official), C. Fred Bergsten (director of the Peterson Institute for International Economics), and Nancy Birdsall. Birdsall, with her background at the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank, became the center's first president, guiding its initial trajectory.
Recognition and Growth
CGD has consistently been recognized for its influence. In 2015, the University of Pennsylvania's "Global Go To Think Tank Index Report" ranked it 13th globally in international development. Earlier, in 2009, Foreign Policy magazine's Think-Tank Index listed CGD among the top 15 overall think tanks in the United States, underscoring its growing impact on the global policy landscape.
Infrastructure Development
In a significant move to enhance its operational capacity and public engagement, CGD acquired a new headquarters in November 2013. This facility includes a state-of-the-art 170-seat conference center, a 60-seat boardroom/ideas lab, and a multimedia studio, enabling the organization to host a greater number of impactful events and dialogues.
Core Focus Areas
Aid Effectiveness
CGD is renowned for its research on aid effectiveness. President Nancy Birdsall pioneered the "Cash on Delivery" (COD) Aid initiative, which aims to improve aid outcomes by focusing on results rather than inputs, thereby enhancing the impact of foreign assistance.
Global Health & Economics
The center addresses critical global health challenges, including the race against antimicrobial resistance, and explores the economic dimensions of development. Reports like "The Race against Drug Resistance: When Medicines Fail" highlight their commitment to evidence-based solutions.
Migration & Trade
CGD's research examines the complex interplay between human migration and development, as well as the role of trade policies. Initiatives explore how labor mobility can serve as a tool for disaster recovery and how trade preferences can be reformed to benefit developing nations.
Environment & Climate
Addressing environmental issues pertinent to development is a key area. CGD has supported initiatives focused on tropical forests for climate mitigation and development, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and economic progress.
Key Programs & Initiatives
Debt Relief
CGD has been instrumental in advocating for and facilitating debt relief programs. Notably, they played a role in the debt buy-back proposal for Nigeria, which led to significant debt forgiveness from the Paris Club. Similarly, they advised Liberian leadership on debt relief and aid coordination.
Vaccine Development
CGD conceptualized and championed "advance market commitments" (AMCs) to incentivize the development of vaccines for diseases disproportionately affecting low-income countries. This approach has garnered international support, including substantial funding commitments from governments and foundations.
Commitment to Development Index (CDI)
In partnership with Foreign Policy magazine, CGD publishes the CDI annually. This index assesses and ranks nations based on their policies in areas such as aid, trade, investment, migration, environment, security, and technology, evaluating their commitment to fostering global development.
Illicit Financial Flows
CGD actively researches and advocates for policies to combat illicit financial flows, which drain vital resources from developing countries. This initiative seeks to improve transparency and accountability in the global financial system.
Funding & Transparency
Diverse Funding Streams
CGD sustains its operations through a diversified funding base, receiving support from various sources including foundations, governments, corporations, and individual donors. This multi-faceted financial structure supports its independent research and policy advocacy.
Commitment to Transparency
The organization places a strong emphasis on financial transparency. CGD publishes details of grants and donations exceeding $100,000 on its website. This commitment has earned it high ratings, such as the top five-star rating from Transparify for its open disclosure practices in 2014 and 2015.
International Support
CGD receives significant international backing. For instance, the government of Norway provided $5 million to support its work on tropical forests and development. Reports indicate that CGD has received substantial funding from outside the United States, while maintaining commendably high transparency regarding its sources.
Engagement & Dialogue
Hosting Impactful Discussions
CGD is a vibrant hub for dialogue, hosting approximately 200 public and private events annually, attracting over 7,000 participants. These events serve as crucial platforms for discussing pressing global development issues.
Notable Speakers
The center frequently convenes influential figures in global affairs. Past speakers have included U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, economist Paul Romer, and UK Secretary of State for International Development Andrew Mitchell, among many other distinguished leaders and experts.
Sabot Lecture Series
In honor of the late development economist Richard "Dick" Sabot, CGD hosts the annual Sabot Lecture series. This prestigious lecture features scholar-practitioners who have made significant contributions to international development, bridging academic insight with policy leadership. Past speakers include Lawrence Summers, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Lord Nicholas Stern.
Key Personnel
Resident Fellows
CGD benefits from the expertise of its resident fellows, who are deeply involved in the organization's research and policy initiatives. Notable figures include Nancy Birdsall, Kalipso Chalkidou, Michael Clemens, Lant Pritchett, and Liliana Rojas-Suarez.
Visiting Fellows
The center hosts visiting fellows who bring diverse perspectives and experiences. Prominent individuals who have served as visiting fellows include Joyce Banda, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Antoinette Sayeh.
Non-Resident Fellows
CGD's network extends to distinguished non-resident fellows, renowned academics and practitioners who contribute their insights from various institutions. This group includes Nobel laureates Abhijit Banerjee and Michael Kremer, as well as Francis Fukuyama, Paul Romer, and Branko Milanović, among others.
Stance on Transphobia
Legal Proceedings and Beliefs
In 2019, a tribunal involving former visiting fellow Maya Forstater considered claims of belief discrimination. An initial ruling found Forstater's "gender critical" views incompatible with human dignity and not protected under the UK Equality Act 2010. However, this judgment was later overturned in June 2021 by an Employment Appeal Tribunal.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be entirely comprehensive, accurate, or up-to-date.
This is not policy advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding international development, policy analysis, or economic strategy. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified experts for specific applications or advice.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.