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.
Latest news
Discover how Global Development is committed to making a sustainable impact
Field Note
Meet Cody Kugler, agri-food innovations project manager for Cornell Global Development's new program - Food Systems & Global Change. Cody recently completed Cornell Global Development's MPS program where she studied sustainability in the agri...
Field Note
Meet Kerstin Damerau, research associate for Cornell Global Development's new program - Food Systems & Global Change. Formerly an independent consultant for ICRAF and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Kerstin's research focuses...
Field Note
Meet Carlos Gonzalez Fischer, research associate for Cornell Global Development's new program - Food Systems & Global Change. Formerly a postdoctoral scientist at the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), Carlos works...