The Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) is an independent, non-partisan, and not-for-profit think-tank headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal. Since its inception in 1979, it has proven its commitment to research and policy advocacy based on evidence and a holistic approach to sustainable development.
Leading up to 2030, the vision of IIDS is to build on its storied legacy of over 40 years to reorient and consolidate policy priorities across Nepal and South Asia. Its goal is to seek greater development impact through research, advocacy and incubation of innovation. It seeks to be one of the region’s leading institutes that contributes to evidence-based policymaking; trains professionals; and broadens public understanding of sustainable development challenges and solutions in the 21st century.
IIDS is overseen by a Governing Council comprising of former ministers, policymakers, administrators, and scholars. There are more than 25 research, program and administrative staff, led by an Executive Director. IIDS has more than 12 distinguished fellows, senior fellows, and adjunct fellows. It also has a pool of over one hundred consultants. The executives of the organization are recognized in the region for their expertise. Likewise, the core staff have several years of experiences in designing and conducting large scale research activities and implementing projects. IIDS is also experienced in organizing flagship policy conferences and seminars.
IIDS currently houses the Secretariat of the South Asia Network of Economic Research Institutes (SANEI) with 59 member institutions. It is a member of the Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration (EROPA), as well as the South Asian Centre for Policy Studies (SACEPS). IIDS has also hosted international offices in the past, such as the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
Over the past 40 years, the impact of IIDS has been extensive through dozens of projects and hundreds of knowledge products shared across society to influence reasoned policymaking and make development effective. Its studies and surveys have spanned macro-economics, public finance, education, agriculture and rural development, food and nutrition, population and health, trade, energy, regional co-operation, women and development, poverty alleviation, conflict resolution and sustainable peace. IIDS also hosts a distinguished lecture series by inviting international scholars and policymakers of renown.
IIDS works with the Government of Nepal, international organizations like the United Nations, World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, and a large number of bilateral development partners as well as think-tanks and NGOs. In 2016, IIDS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kathmandu University to, among others, launch Nepal’s first graduate program in public policy, the Master in Public Policy and Management (MPPM). IIDS has also started a series of short, non-degree executive courses in partnership with Tribhuvan University. The goal of these courses is to provide students and practitioners with cutting edge policy knowledge in a cost-effective manner.