Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) was founded in August 1992 on the recommendation of the Pakistan National Conservation Strategy (NCS), also called Pakistan’s Agenda 21. The NCS placed Pakistan’s socio-economic development within the context of a national environmental plan. This highly acclaimed document, approved by the Federal Cabinet in March 1992, outlined the need for an independent non-profit organization to serve as a source of expertise for policy analysis and development, policy intervention, and policy and program advisory services. SDPI is registered under the Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860.

What They Do

• Conduct policy advice, policy oriented research and advocacy from a broad multi-disciplinary perspective.
• Promote the implementation of policies, programs, laws and regulations based on sustainable development.
• Strengthen civil society and facilitate civil society-government interaction through collaboration with other organizations and activist networks.
• Disseminate research findings and public education through the media, conferences, seminars, lectures, publications and curricula development.
• Contribute to building up national research capacity and infrastructure.

Goals

These goals reflect the main axes of theirwork; the means through which they effect change:

• catalyze the transition towards sustainable and just development in Pakistan.
• serve as a source of expertise and advisory services for the government, private sector, and non-governmental initiatives supporting the implementation of Pakistan's environment and development agenda.
• conduct policy-oriented research on sustainable development from a broad multi-disciplinary perspective.
• provide policy advice on matters relating to the mission of the Institute.
• contribute to strengthening the social and physical infrastructure for research in Pakistan.
• initiate, establish and participate in collaborative advocacy and other activities with like-minded organizations in and outside the country.

The Institute's activities are designed to provide:

• Policy advice to government
• A forum for policy dialogue
• Support to in-house, visiting and external researchers
• Publications for research, public and private sector use
• A conduit for North South dialogue
• An environment for information dissemination and training
• A base for regional advocacy and networking

Focus

The research program at SDPI drives the three main activities of policy advice, advocacy and training.