Where's the demos in demOcracy?

Dear members of the IDS community,

I write at a time of profound global uncertainty and rapid change. Intersecting crises are reshaping the contexts in which we work, while the institutions that have underpinned international cooperation are under strain and technological shifts are transforming how knowledge is produced and used.

This has been a year shaped by exceptionally challenging funding conditions, requiring difficult decisions as we focused on safeguarding IDS’s long‑term mission and resilience. In this context, I want to recognise the extraordinary commitment of our staff, students, partners and funders. It is through this collective effort that IDS continues to deliver research and learning that matters.

We are proud to have retained our position as the world’s leading institute for Development Studies in the QS World University rankings for the tenth consecutive year – a milestone that reflects the strength of our community and the quality of our work.

A central priority for us this year has been reflection on how we work in partnership. In collaboration with our valued partner Southern Voice, we undertook an institute-wide re view on equity in research collaboration . This has enabled us not only to identify and begin addressing structural barriers within our own systems, but also to commit to championing more equitable models of collaboration across the sector.

Together with Southern Voice and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), we also brought this agenda to the global stage by co-convening sessions at the OECD’s Future of Development Conference, and at the Global Partnerships Conference co-hosted by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office with a key side event on Shifting the Power. Through this ongoing work, we are influencing thinking, policy and practice in how development cooperation can be renewed, modernised and grounded in more equitable partnerships.

This Annual Review demonstrates what this looks like in practice: IDS working with partners globally to shape policy, strengthen systems, and support locally led solutions.

As we enter a new strategic period, our focus is clear: to build partnerships that are not only effective but equitable, and to ensure that the knowledge we co-create contributes to lasting social and environmental justice.

Regards,
Professor Anuradha Joshi, IDS Director

Heading 4

In an extraordinary time of challenge and change, we use 60 years of expertise to transform development approaches that create more equitable and sustainable futures. The work you do with us will help make progressive change towards universal development; to build and connect solidarities for collective action, locally and globally. IDS, in partnership with the University of Sussex, has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the past ten years (QS World University Rankings by Subject).

In an extraordinary time of challenge and change, we use 60 years of expertise to transform development approaches that create more equitable and sustainable futures. The work you do with us will help make progressive change towards universal development; to build and connect solidarities for collective action, locally and globally. IDS, in partnership with the University of Sussex, has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the past ten years (QS World University Rankings by Subject).

Heading 3

In an extraordinary time of challenge and change, we use 60 years of expertise to transform development approaches that create more equitable and sustainable futures. The work you do with us will help make progressive change towards universal development; to build and connect solidarities for collective action, locally and globally. IDS, in partnership with the University of Sussex, has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the past ten years (QS World University Rankings by Subject).

In an extraordinary time of challenge and change, we use 60 years of expertise to transform development approaches that create more equitable and sustainable futures. The work you do with us will help make progressive change towards universal development; to build and connect solidarities for collective action, locally and globally. IDS, in partnership with the University of Sussex, has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the past ten years (QS World University Rankings by Subject).

Heading 2

In an extraordinary time of challenge and change, we use 60 years of expertise to transform development approaches that create more equitable and sustainable futures. The work you do with us will help make progressive change towards universal development; to build and connect solidarities for collective action, locally and globally. IDS, in partnership with the University of Sussex, has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the past ten years (QS World University Rankings by Subject). In an extraordinary time of challenge and change, we use 60 years of expertise to transform development approaches that create more equitable and sustainable futures. The work you do with us will help make progressive change towards universal development; to build and connect solidarities for collective action, locally and globally. IDS, in partnership with the University of Sussex, has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the past ten years (QS World University Rankings by Subject).

Heading 1

In an extraordinary time of challenge and change, we use 60 years of expertise to transform development approaches that create more equitable and sustainable futures. The work you do with us will help make progressive change towards universal development; to build and connect solidarities for collective action, locally and globally. IDS, in partnership with the University of Sussex, has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the past ten years (QS World University Rankings by Subject).

In an extraordinary time of challenge and change, we use 60 years of expertise to transform development approaches that create more equitable and sustainable futures. The work you do with us will help make progressive change towards universal development; to build and connect solidarities for collective action, locally and globally. IDS, in partnership with the University of Sussex, has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the past ten years (QS World University Rankings by Subject).