The Center for Global Development and Sustainability

Projections suggest that by the end of the twenty-first century, environmental change and climate variability will have substantial impact on food security and public health and, consequently, the scope for sustaining livelihoods and reducing poverty. Working in collaboration with regional partners, GDS seeks to further applied empirical research to develop adaptation, resilience, and sustainable livelihood options for marginal and vulnerable populations in the U.S. and in low- and emerging middle-income countries.

Development and health programs require active monitoring of progress based on a comprehensive understanding of the problem to be resolved. Baseline studies that document and analyze the situation in the community before the project starts are often not conducted or available to program planners and hence create failures in development and health project implementation. GDS is developing institutional capacity within nonprofits and NGOs by conducting collaborative baseline research and trainings for local staff on low-cost methods to collect data on key indicators. GDS also is working with universities on curriculum design, pedagogy and governance issues.

The Program on Social Exclusion advances research and scholarship on the barriers that still block large groups from meaningful participation in economic growth in both developing and advanced economies. The Program examines societal influences that aid or constrain inclusive policies including attitudes toward race, ethnicity, caste and tribal identity, gender, sexual orientation and religious tradition, and promotes global dialogue to promote inclusion.

GDS and the New School teamed up for the 5th International Conference on the Unfinished Legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The conference was held in New York City, October 2019.