UAntwerp - Institute of Development Policy (IOB)

The Institute of Development Policy (IOB) at the University of Antwerp is a multidisciplinary institute dedicated to teaching, research, and community engagement on the economic, political, and social aspects of sustainable development and development cooperation. Committed to a just and sustainable world, IOB promotes critical thinking, collaboration with Global South institutions, and a focus on equity and transparency. Its work supports the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research-based education, global partnerships, and policy engagement. 🎓 Education & Training IOB offers three internationally accredited Advanced Master’s programs—Development Evaluation & Management, Governance & Development, and Globalisation & Development—plus short courses and a PhD track. With students from 30+ countries, IOB combines academic rigor with practical fieldwork in places like Tanzania, Nicaragua, and the Philippines. 🔍 Research & Policy Using a multi-level, multi-actor governance approach, IOB tackles challenges like poverty, climate change, inequality, migration, and human rights. It hosts the Great Lakes of Africa Centre and integrates themes such as digitalisation and African regional dynamics. 🤝 Development Cooperation & SDGs IOB co-leads the “SDGs as a Compass for Belgian Development Cooperation” project with HIVA (KU Leuven), mapping Belgian practices, assessing SDG alignment, and promoting principles like universality and leaving no one behind in countries including Uganda and Benin. 🌍 Global Engagement IOB works with Global South partners on education, research, and policy, fostering reciprocal capacity-building. It supports NGOs, governments, and civil society, and encourages critical reflection on North–South relations for inclusive, sustainable development. #InternationalDevelopment #DevelopmentCooperation #SustainableDevelopment #SDGs #DevelopmentEducation #GlobalGovernance #InclusiveDevelopment #CapacityBuilding