The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) is one of the leading independent think tanks on international development and humanitarian issues. Based in London, its mission is "to inspire and inform policy and practice which lead to the reduction of poverty, the alleviation of suffering and the achievement of sustainable livelihoods in developing countries." It does this by "locking together high-quality applied research, practical policy advice, and policy-focused dissemination and debate."
ODI began life in small premises in Regent's Park, central London, and operated a library devoted to international development issues as well as performing consultancy work and contracts with the Department for International Development (then known as the Overseas Development Agency) of the UK government. Since then it has moved several times, and is currently on Blackfriars Road. Unlike its counterpart, the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at Sussex University, it does not engage in teaching. The current Director is Dr Alison Evans, formerly of the IDS.
In July 2007, ODI was named 'Think Tank of the Year 2007' by Public Affairs News magazine. It was previously named 'Think-tank to Watch' in the Prospect (magazine) 'Think-tank of the Year' awards, 2005.
It celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2010, with guests including former ODI Fellow and current UK Business Secretary, Vince Cable.
ODI has published many books, papers and briefings, and two leading academic journals, Development Policy Review and Disasters.
It has had a Partnership Programme Arrangement with the UK's Department for International Development(DFID) since 2004.
Read more about Overseas Development Institute: Organisation and Departments, ODI Event Series, Fellowship Scheme
Famous quotes containing the words development and/or institute:
“On fields all drenched with blood he made his record in war, abstained from lawless violence when left on the plantation, and received his freedom in peace with moderation. But he holds in this Republic the position of an alien race among a people impatient of a rival. And in the eyes of some it seems that no valor redeems him, no social advancement nor individual development wipes off the ban which clings to him.”
—Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (1825–1911)
“Whenever any form of government shall become destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, & to institute new government, laying it’s foundation on such principles & organising it’s powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety & happiness.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)