The Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development (Ferdi)

The Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development (Ferdi) is a think tank with the mission to influence international development debates by leveraging research results.

Non-profit and independent, Ferdi provides a privileged space for reflection and exchange, welcoming expertise from both the Global North and South. It plays a key advocacy role for vulnerable countries in shaping the international development finance architecture and offers expertise in defining public policies for sustainable and inclusive development.

Ferdi contributes to the evolution of ideas on important and diverse topics through organizing events, seminars, and training sessions, publishing materials, and creating innovative indicators. These topics include criteria for geographical allocation of aid, addressing economic vulnerability and state fragility, the effectiveness of international policies for the least developed countries, and ways to reconcile trade policies, climate, and environmental protection.

Ferdi’s publications benefit from French state support managed by the ANR as part of the “France 2030” investment plan under the reference “ANR-16-IDEX-0001.”

History

The Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development (Ferdi) was established in 2003 at the initiative of the Center for Studies and Research on International Development (Cerdi), the leading French research center in this field. Cerdi is Ferdi’s primary scientific partner. Patrick Guillaumont is the founding president of Ferdi.

Activities

• Research work divided into 8 thematic programs
• Publication of books, reports, working papers, and brief notes in French and English
• Publication of articles in peer-reviewed journals
• Organization of conferences and workshops
• Participation in international conferences
• Recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders in international development (United Nations, European Commission, OECD, World Bank, regional development banks, development agencies, etc.)
• Organization of training sessions under the Institute of Advanced Studies in Sustainable Development

Missions

• Promote excellence in French-language research in international development economics;
• Inform the decisions of public and private actors on development;
• Participate in the training and capacity building of civil servants and officials in developing countries.