Global Development Network

Supporting high-quality, policy-oriented, social science research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, to promote better lives.

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

📢 Rejoignez-nous pour un séminaire en ligne organisé en partenariat avec @EURAXESS.

Ce webinaire, organisé dans le cadre de l’initiative « Club des chercheurs », explorera les opportunités de collaboration scientifique internationale, ainsi que les ressources disponibles pour aider les chercheurs en début de carrière à développer leur parcours à l’échelle internationale.

📅 Mercredi 26 août 2026
🕙 10h00–11h00 (GMT)

Lien d’accès : https://t.co/x2TqEnQtIX

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

⏰ Last few days for research teams from LMICs to apply!

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

📢 Call for Research Teams: Building the Economics of Open Transaction Networks

GDN invites research teams based in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to apply for the Building the Economics of Open Transaction Networks research programme, supported by @gatesfoundation. Six selected teams will each receive USD 50,000 to conduct research on the economics of Open Transaction Networks (OTNs), with preference given to studies on the Beckn Protocol in Brazil, India, and Kenya. Selected teams will also receive strategic and technical guidance from GDN's Global Scientific Advisory Committee.

Learn more and apply by 21 August 2026: https://t.co/k7Ofkfk6g6

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

📢 We're hiring a Technical and Monitoring & Evaluation Advisor (Consultant)

GDN invites applications for a Technical and Monitoring & Evaluation Advisor to support the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of a project under the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) Award, part of the Global Development Awards Competition (GDAC). The successful candidate will provide technical guidance and strategic advice to the Awardee implementing the Enhancing Livelihoods in Underserved Communities of Uganda project over a 24-month consultancy. Applications are welcome from candidates based anywhere; however, preference will be given to applicants based in Uganda.

Learn more and apply by 30 September 2026: https://t.co/y8KQDynw8I

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

Last week, at the Digital Transformation Indonesia Conference & Expo in Jakarta, @ADBInstitute and GDN brought together policymakers, researchers, and private sector leaders to explore how Open Transaction Networks (OTNs) can help build more inclusive digital payment ecosystems.

As part of the session, GDN President Jean-Louis Arcand presented GDN's latest research on the economics of OTNs and the conditions needed for open networks to deliver real benefits for MSMEs and underserved communities.

Check out the presentation: https://t.co/8AJIeykfQd
Learn more about GDN's work on OTNs: https://t.co/vMq67hs0c4

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming economies, societies, and institutions at an unprecedented pace. Yet global conversations on AI often lack local perspectives on what these changes mean, particularly across the Global South.

As part of GDN's Research Facility on Inclusive Digital Transformation, we will launch a new AI research programme in 2027 to generate evidence that informs better policies and responses to these transformations.

We invite you to complete a short survey (approximately 15 minutes) and share the AI debates, opportunities, and concerns you are seeing in your country and professional context. Your insights will help shape GDN's research priorities and identify opportunities for future collaboration and engagement through conferences, workshops, and partnerships.

Link to the survey: https://t.co/OxKJwzgaUO

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

���🇵 The Global Development Conference (GDC) 2026 will be held in Tokyo, Japan.

Convened in partnership with @EUinJapan, @ADBInstitute, the @WorldBankGroup Tokyo Development Learning Center TDLC, and @SPF_PR, the conference also marks the 25th anniversary of the Global Development Awards Competition (GDAC).

📢 The Call for Co-Creation Lab Projects is now open. Through the Co-Creation Labs, GDN grantees and alumni will work alongside experts from across sectors to refine and scale development solutions.

🤝 Organisations are also invited to partner with GDC 2026 through a range of sponsorship opportunities.

Learn more and get involved: https://t.co/63kNsUnSqO

[Asian Development Bank Institute @ADBInstitute]

#ICYMI

📢 ADBI and the Journal of Development Economics (JDE) invite researchers to submit studies on the drivers of sustained growth in middle-income economies. Selected papers will be presented at a conference and considered for publication in a special issue exploring how developing economies can boost productivity, sustain growth, and advance toward high-income status.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://t.co/0uP4kkvVhe

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

Join us in Jakarta on August 5 for an @ADBInstitute–GDN side event at the Digital Transformation Indonesia Conference and Expo exploring how Open Transaction Networks (OTNs) can support more inclusive digital economies.

Drawing on research and experiences from India, the Republic of Korea, and Indonesia, the session will examine how open digital payment ecosystems can expand opportunities for MSMEs, strengthen competition, and improve access for underserved communities.

Learn more and register here: https://t.co/8AJIeyjI0F

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

📢 WEBINAIRE: Faire de la recherche au Tchad: présentation des résultats du projet Doing Research Assessment au Tchad

À quoi ressemble le système de recherche, et en particulier celui des sciences sociales, dans un pays qui se classe à l’avant-dernier rang de l’Indice de développement humain ? Le rapport national Doing Research in Chad, élaboré par le Centre de Recherche et d’Études Socio-Économiques et Politiques (CRESPO) en collaboration avec le Global Development Network (GDN), propose un diagnostic objectif de l’état actuel de l’écosystème de la recherche. Ce webinaire présentera les principaux résultats et recommandations du rapport et offrira un espace d’échange avec les parties prenantes clés sur les moyens de mieux articuler la recherche, les politiques publiques et les pratiques de terrain au Tchad.

🔗 Inscrivez-vous au webinaire: https://t.co/ByjQarHq0y
Pour lire le rapport, suivez ce lien: https://t.co/QTsVQyE9AP

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

📢 Call for Proposals: Commissioning of an Internal Audit/Internal Control Review of NGOs in Ghana and the Philippines

GDN is seeking proposals from experienced audit firms to conduct an internal audit/internal control review of two non-governmental organisations in Ghana and the Philippines that are being considered for a Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) grant of up to USD 200,000. The review will assess each organisation's governance, financial management, human resources, procurement systems, statutory compliance, and alignment with the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework to determine their capacity to manage the grant.

Firms should demonstrate experience conducting similar reviews, ideally have a presence in both countries (or outline how site visits will be conducted).

Learn more and apply by 15 September 2026: https://t.co/EC5LqqDBjw

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

📢 Call for Research Teams: Building the Economics of Open Transaction Networks

GDN invites research teams based in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to apply for the Building the Economics of Open Transaction Networks research programme, supported by @gatesfoundation. Six selected teams will each receive USD 50,000 to conduct research on the economics of Open Transaction Networks (OTNs), with preference given to studies on the Beckn Protocol in Brazil, India, and Kenya. Selected teams will also receive strategic and technical guidance from GDN's Global Scientific Advisory Committee.

Learn more and apply by 21 August 2026: https://t.co/k7Ofkfk6g6

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

🌍 Day 1 of the West African Digital Transformation Forum in Cotonou, Benin, brought together researchers, think tanks, and policymakers to discuss how research can support more inclusive digital transformation across the region.

Six research consortia, established through the West Africa Digital Governance Research Agenda process, presented proposals focused on digital inclusion, reducing inequalities, context-sensitive indicators, and conceptual frameworks to shape the region's digital agenda.

The conversation moved beyond asking how West Africa can catch up with or compete in digital innovation, towards identifying the priorities that the region can bring to the global digital agenda. Participants also stressed that research must go beyond generating evidence. It should help tackle today's challenges, inform policy, and prepare for those ahead.

Co-hosted by GDN, @FondationFERDI @acedafrica @cerdi and @ASE_Africa.

@AFD_France

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

✏️ Retour visuel sur la première journée du Forum Régional sur les Transformations Numériques en Afrique de l'Ouest à Cotonou, illustrée par Idah Razafindrakoto, Programme Manager à GDN.

A visual recap of Day 1 of the West African Digital Transformation Forum in Cotonou, illustrated by Idah Razafindrakoto, Programme Manager at GDN.

@FondationFERDI @AFD_France @cerdi @ASE_Africa

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

📢 Help Shape GDN's AI Research Agenda

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming economies, societies and institutions at an unprecedented pace. Yet conversations on AI often overlook local perspectives, particularly from the Global South.

As part of GDN's Inclusive Digital Transformation Research Facility, we are launching a new AI research programme in 2027 to generate evidence that informs better policies and supports inclusive digital transformation.

We invite researchers, policymakers, practitioners and experts to complete our short survey (around 15 minutes) by 1 August 2026. Share the AI debates, opportunities and challenges you are seeing in your country and professional context: https://t.co/OxKJwzgaUO

Your insights will help shape GDN's research priorities and identify opportunities for future collaboration through conferences, workshops and partnerships.

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

📢 GDN’s 2025 Annual Report is here!

In 2025, digitalisation emerged as a defining theme across the global development landscape, and much of our work reflected that. From research on the socioeconomic impacts of digital transformation to our annual Global Development Conference on Inclusive Digital Transformation, the year was about understanding digitalisation not just as a trend, but as a strategy for transformative socio-economic development.

We also launched our Strategic Framework for 2025–2035, setting a vision for the decade ahead, while continuing to strengthen research capacity and evidence-based policymaking across low- and middle-income countries.

Read the full report to learn more: https://t.co/g49gApjYkH

Thank you to our partners, researchers, donors, and the wider GDN community for another year of impact! 🙏

[India Global Forum @IGFupdates]

1/2: Who wins the global race for compute? Key takeaways from the #UKIndiaWeek2026 panel on tech sovereignty:

Ecosystems over Isolation: Alejandro Sinekoff of @larsentoubro notes regulatory frameworks and open ecosystems will dictate future tech influence, not protectionism.

Interconnected Risks: Jean-Louis Arcand of @GDNint warns that restricting AI access from tech hubs like Bangalore damages the global supply networks depending on them.

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

💡🌍 La troisième édition de la Foire aux Savoirs a réuni à Abidjan, plus tôt ce mois-ci, une vingtaine de think tanks du Sahel et de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, des chercheurs, des décideurs publics, des organisations de la société civile et des partenaires du développement pour réfléchir aux conditions qui permettent à la recherche de contribuer de manière crédible et légitime aux politiques publiques.

Pendant trois jours, les participants ont mis en lumière la diversité des expériences, des trajectoires et des fonctions des think tanks dans la région, et analysé les défis communs auxquels sont confrontés les systèmes de recherche et les processus de décision publique. Les discussions ont fait émerger un constat partagé : l'impact des think tanks ne dépend pas uniquement de leur capacité à produire, diffuser ou mobiliser des connaissances, mais aussi de leur capacité à renforcer les relations, les collaborations et les conditions institutionnelles qui structurent les débats sur la place des savoirs dans l’espace public.

Organisée par le GDN avec le soutien de l'@AFD_France et la participation d'acteurs clés de l'écosystème, cette troisième édition a r��affirmé l'importance de disposer d'espaces de dialogue inclusifs pour identifier des modalités de collaboration internationale, susceptibles de renforcer une interface recherche-politiques publiques mieux ancrée dans les réalités régionales.

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

🌍 During the 2026 @SRICongress Africa Regional Conference held in Cape Town last week, GDN, together with @FutureEarth and the Centre for Systems Solutions (CRS), hosted an End-Term Meeting and Deep Dive Workshop for the @Belmont_Forum Migration and Mobility Collaborative Research Action (CRA).

The workshop brought together representatives from five international research consortia to share key findings, strengthen cross-consortium exchange, and explore pathways from research to policy impact.

Discussions highlighted the complex drivers of climate-related (im)mobility, the importance of evidence-informed policymaking, and opportunities for joint synthesis and future collaboration. We look forward to sharing the programme's collective insights and outputs in the months ahead!

Learn more: https://t.co/8b0v5q5eat

[Global Development Network @GDNint]

▶️ Tune in today! GDN President Jean-Louis Arcand joins the @IGFupdates India Global Forum at 15:30 BST / 16:30 CET for the panel “Who Controls the Compute That Powers Tomorrow?”

Watch live: https://t.co/JxuWdAz2pb
Learn more about the forum: https://t.co/N3RmCAhNGG