IIED is an international policy research institute and non-governmental body working for more sustainable and equitable global development. Although based in London we work globally through a wide range of long-standing relationships with partners across the developing world. Some of these relationships go back since our beginning in 1971. Our partnerships generate close working relations with many key development actors from smallholder farmers and big city slum-dwellers to national governments and regional NGOs, global institutions and international processes. This well established practice of working in partnership is what we believe makes us fundamentally different from other research institutes.
IIED acts as a catalyst, broker and facilitator and helps vulnerable groups find their voice and ensure their interests are heard in decision-making. Environmental sustainability is a core concern but not at the expense of people’s livelihoods.