A multidisciplinary approach
The world is complex. But we believe understanding is possible.
Our signature strengths
We take an integrated and holistic approach to development. With a mission to advance a more equitable, sustainable, and food-secure world for all, we engage at the intersections of development to create a flourishing world now and for future generations.
Wellbeing and inclusion
“A World that Leaves No One Behind”
Studying the causes, manifestations and consequences of poverty and inequality in the global political economy, the histories and legacies of development projects, and alternative models to promote wellbeing
Environmental sustainability
“A Greener World and Greener Economies”
Addressing strategies to mitigate or reverse the effects of climate change, helping people and communities adapt to new environmental realities, and researching the social and political dimensions of human-environment interactions
Food and nutritional security
“Sustainable and Sustaining Food Systems”
Identifying pathways to sustainable food systems while investigating the social and political dynamics of these systems across the cycle from cultivation to distribution, consumption, and recycling
How will you change the world?
Education with impact
In Global Development, we guide our students to become next-generation changemakers. Our engaged learning model encourages students to interpret problems, clarify solutions, develop leadership and foster positive social change now and into the future.
Study trips in Global Development
A new style of engaged courses is preparing students to practice skills in a new environment, solve problems with a global mindset, and collaboratively work through complex, multidisciplinary questions, with the goal of empowering students to become global citizens.
From agriculture and food systems in Costa Rica to youth development and inequality in Cameroon, our students are preparing to confront the biggest challenges facing people and the planet.
Latest news
Discover how Global Development is committed to making a sustainable impact
Field Note
As a Laidlaw scholar , Jensen Njagi ’25 spent the summer doing community-based translational research in his home country of Kenya. As a Global Development major, Jensen is driven by a purpose to improve community health while considering the...
News
CALS’ Research and Innovation Office is offering $10,000-$50,000 awards to support proposal development, patent or technology development, commercialization or community uses of AI.
Field Note
Cornell’s Food Systems and Global Change program launched a storytelling project called “Food is…,” which aims to meld digital illustration with personal narratives on the multifaceted nature of what food means to each of us. Hear from Sushmi...