Analyzing development strategies towards a more sustainable, equitable world
Mid-career professionals, scholars and aspiring development professionals from 8 countries unite as the Global Development MPS class of 2023. Each bringing unique specialities — from food security and inclusive economic growth to renewable energy and environmental sustainability, and more — the class will take a transdisciplinary approach to enhance their technical and practical skills in development in order to tackle the world's greatest challenges around the globe.
Class of 2023

Grand challenge: Engaged development and impact evaluation to increase economic opportunities in developing countries

Grand challenge: Gender equality and women's empowerment in the food system

Grand challenge: Impact evaluation of development projects in underdeveloped countries

Grand challenge: Climate change and child undernutrition in Ethiopia

Food security and sustainable food systems that empower farmers and improve livelihoods

Promoting sustainable development and social well-being for all

Grand challenge: Building inclusive, resilient, and climate-smart food systems that catalyze agriculture-led economic growth

Grand challenge: Equitable opportunities and fair access to experiential learning/global education opportunities

Grand challenge: Justice for vulnerable populations through equitable water distribution across agriculture, industry, and households; protecting our freshwater ecosystems in the face of climate change

Grand challenge: Interdisciplinary education and developmental practice programs as instruments for inclusive sustainable development

Grand challenge: Stronger economic sustainability with improved postsecondary education in Latin America and the Caribbean

Grand challenge: Pluralism in agricultural extension and advisory services and ways to incorporate farmer-centered and participatory approaches to increase smallholder farmers’ agency in decision making; opportunities for youth involvement in agrifood systems

Grand challenge: Environmental sustainability of agriculture; food sovereignty and economic independence in smallholder farming communities; optimization of controlled environment agriculture

Grand challenge: Research and Evaluation to ensure sustained development, food security, poverty elimination, better policy design and implementation; Global partnerships for inclusive and equitable access to nutrition, health and education

Grand challenge: Youth empowerment, innovation and policy adaptation

Grand challenge: Empowering displaced women and youths; indigenous coping strategies; associational social structures

Grand challenge: Participatory research and project design that engages marginalized communities, particularly women and girls, to define problems and design development solutions