Think tank · Policy · L Street NW, Fifth Floor · Est. 2001
The Center for Global Development (CGD) is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit “think and do” tank that works to reduce global poverty and improve lives through economic research intended to influence policy and practice by governments and major global decision-makers. CGD says its work is designed to turn research into actionable policy ideas and engagement around questions such as how aid and investment affect development outcomes, how global institutions and rich-country policies impact the developing world, and what policy reforms could improve effectiveness and equity.
CGD’s current stated areas of focus include AI for Global Development, Climate and Energy, Development Effectiveness, Education and Child Well-Being, Gender Equality and Inclusion, Global Health Policy, Market Shaping, Migration and Displacement, and Sustainable Development Finance. CGD also describes itself as an “incubator” for initiatives that can grow into independent organizations, including the Energy for Growth Hub and Labor Mobility Partnerships. CGD is headquartered in Washington, DC and also has an organized CGD Europe presence, with shared governance and related board/trustee structures.
Publications are not yet indexed for this organization. Read them on cgdev.org ↗.
CGD announced that its Board of Directors elected Mohamed A. El-Erian as Chair, with him scheduled to take up the role on June 18 (year of the announcement: 2026).
CGD publishes “A Clear Vision for Official Development Assistance: Purpose, Principles, and Priorities”CGD released a CGD Note describing a rationale and priorities for official development assistance and discussing public perceptions and policy differences (dated April 8, 2026 on the publication page).
A New Compact for Health Financing (From Principle to Practice) — CGD updates its work with a March 31, 2026 note/publication pageCGD published a topic page describing a proposal for a new approach to align aid with domestic health financing and improve country ownership, including linked project and policy paper references.
The Center for Global Development Announces New Vice PresidentsCGD announced the appointment of Markus Goldstein and Clemence Landers as Vice Presidents and Senior Fellows (announced February 19, 2025).
Development Leaders Conference (2026) — CGD describes 2026 edition details and co-hostingCGD describes the 2026 conference as co-hosted with AECID and set to be held in Madrid in October.