Center for Development Studies

The Center for Development Studies (CDS)-Birzeit University was established in 1997 as a research programme specializing in development studies.

The CDS aims to deepen and engage development concepts through theoretical and conceptual frameworks that explore and contextualize Palestinian development within the reality of occupation.  This includes studying the interactions between the economic, social and political determinants of development as well as the structures of power and dominance that preclude sustainable development.

The CDS reinforces theory with practice through its various academic research and community-oriented activities.  These include seminars, workshops, survey research, evaluation studies and needs assessments. The Centre coordinates a number of academic research projects in the area of development with local and international institutions.