Center for Development Studies 

The Center for Development Studies  (CDS) seeks to deepen and reinforce development concepts by offering theoretical and conceptual frameworks that places people at the center of the development process. The CDS carries out research and organizes special lectures to prompt informed debate on matters relating to development. CDS combines theory and practice through its various academic and community-oriented activities.

One of CDS's main tasks is the production of the Human Development Report on Palestine as part of the United Nations Development Program's international project of issuing an annual Human Development Report and country reports. The Palestine Report is produced in close consultation and coordination with a technical advisory group from PNA ministries, Palestinian NGOs and local expert consultants.

The CDS cooperates with Palestinian universities and academic centers to integrate and improve the curriculum related to development studies in their educational programs. The CDS is currently designing an academic program in development studies for the benefit of academics and practitioners in the university, government and non-government community.

In addition, CDS publishes Al Baydar (The Harvest), a monthly supplement that aims at promoting informed debate on development issues in Palestine, with a special focus on the concepts of sustainable human development. Al Baydar provides an opportunity for individuals from the community to express their opinions, points of view, suggestions, and aspirations. Each issue focuses on a subject of particular importance to Palestinian development. It is widely distributed with a major national newspaper and is also sent separately to numerous local and international institutions.

To further research and debate on development issues, the CDS has established a resource unit, which includes an up-to-date library and information center. The unit is being expanded to be a repository for written and audio-visual references, reports and documents, which examine development issues on the local, regional and international levels, providing research information and data to governmental and non-governmental organizations and individuals.

The CDS also has two units that carry out grassroots community oriented activities. The Developmental Education Unit organizes model community activities and programs to help develop educational policies and conducts capacity building programs for disadvantaged groups including adult education programs. The Community Outreach Unit was established in January 1999 to collect comprehensive and practical data on the conditions and needs of different groups and locations in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The Unit presents its findings to interested institutions and seeks to encourage local efforts and initiatives in remote areas and for marginalized groups.

or more information, please visit the CDS web site.