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 in Global Development will allow students to apply classroom-based lessons in real-world development contexts. Launching in the fall semester of 2023, Global Development will offer two immersive faculty-led study trips each year. The first two courses will travel to Cameroon and Costa Rica.
Latest news
Discover how Global Development is committed to making a sustainable impact
News
Lab-grown meat, food created by microorganisms and plant-based foods that mimic the taste of meat could help reduce environmental impacts of food systems, a new UN report co-authored by Cornell researchers finds.
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Cornell Cooperative Extension is helping New York state farmers learn how to grow rice, a potentially lucrative crop that can thrive on flood-prone land as a hedge against climate change.
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In the summer of 2023, Logan Bonn '25 ( Global Development ) was a participant in the CALS Global Fellows Program in Maun, Botswana. Logan divided time between 1) grant writing and harvesting at his host organization, a sustainable agriculture...