Is the SDG monitoring framework broken?
As the 2023 World Data Forum gathers in Hangzhou, DI discusses challenges within the existing SDG monitoring system and proposes constructive reform.
Who we are
Development Initiatives (DI) is a global organisation harnessing the power of data and evidence to end poverty, reduce inequality and increase resilience.
What we do
We work closely with partners at global, regional, national and local levels to ensure data-driven evidence and analysis are used effectively in policy and practice. We undertake an exciting portfolio of grant-funded work as well as providing consultancy services.
Featured work
Will transforming the global financial architecture deliver for people living in poverty?
Everyone is talking about MDB reforms. DI’s Fionna Smyth asks: what kind of evolution do we need to solve current crises equitably, inclusively and accountably?
The data side of leaving no one behind
In this paper we look at lessons learned from data landscaping at the national level, and examine how it can be used to inform decisions about poverty eradication and ensure no one is left behind.
Data disharmony: How can donors better act on their commitments?
This briefing highlights key challenges emerging from our work analysing national data ecosystems, and aims to promote discussion between relevant stakeholders on how best to overcome these.
Funding to local actors: evidence from the Syrian refugee response in Türkiye
Türkiye hosts almost 4 million Syrian refugees. In this report, DI and TMK seek to fill the gap in data on funding flows to the local and national actors critical to the response.
Donor approaches to overheads for local and national partners
This paper, produced by DI in partnership with UNICEF, summarises donors’ current indirect cost policies and perspectives on the issue of overhead allocation to local actors, and sets out opportunities and barriers to change.
Overhead cost allocation in the humanitarian sector
Development Initiatives, in partnership with UNICEF and Oxfam, conducted this research on overhead allocation in the humanitarian sector on behalf of the IASC Results Group 5. This work informed the development of guidance which has now been endorsed and published by the IASC.
New DAC data reveals the impact of the Ukraine invasion on aid
The rise in in-donor refugee costs associated with the Ukraine invasion means less money for LDCs. The latest DAC data shows they are paying the price for challenges elsewhere.
How much aid actually reaches the countries with the greatest poverty? Facts and principles of ODA allocation
Converging global development challenges mean ODA is increasingly stretched. In this report, we unpack some of the key aid figures and drill down into the details to establish whether ODA really is reaching those living in greatest poverty.
Scenarios for a 1% GNI external public finance target
How can we meet the complex and intersecting aims of the Sustainable Development Goals? DI's Euan Ritchie investigates the feasibility of a combined development and climate-finance target funded by additional investment from high-income countries worth 1% of their GNI.