Our approach

Our approach is informed by an understanding of  development that:

  • gives priority to the participation of the most marginalised
  • takes local communities to be active protagonists of development
  • takes the state to be accountable to the needs and demands of local communities
  • takes structural inequality (i.e., the combination of economic, political and social inequality) as the central concern for development

To work towards these objectives, the ISHD:

  • undertakes studies on issues central to the policies and practice of human development
  • organizes seminars and workshops that bring together academics, policy makers, practioners and community groups
  • undertakes action research to support innovative development practices
  • designs curriculum related to human development
  • collaborates with universities from developing countries