The 1960s: The First Decade

The 1960s marked the birth of the Society for International Development (SID), an international network of individuals and organizations founded in 1957 with a mission to promote socio-economic justice and foster democratic participation in the development process. As the world grappled with pressing post-war challenges and the dawn of decolonization, SID emerged as a trailblazer, advocating for transformative change and equitable development. This decade laid the foundation for SID's future endeavors, as it embarked on a journey to create a more just and inclusive world.

1960

The 1970s​: The Second Decade​

The 1970s marked a period of substantial growth for SID. With its steadfast dedication to people-centered development strategies, SID's membership base surged, and new local chapters and institutional members emerged across various regions. This expansion enabled SID to create a more extensive network of development practitioners, experts, and policymakers committed to advancing inclusive development approaches.

 

1970

The 1980s​ : The Third Decade

The 1980s witnessed a global debt crisis that significantly affected many developing countries. SID responded to this complex challenge by engaging with international actors and governments to advocate for fair debt restructuring and development-oriented economic policies.

Through research, analysis, and policy dialogues, SID provided valuable insights on the consequences of debt burdens on vulnerable populations. The organization called for debt relief and more equitable lending practices to ensure that economic development was not stifled by excessive debt repayments. SID's contributions during this period helped shape discussions around debt management and economic development strategies in developing countries.

1980

The 1990s: The Fourth Decade

As the world entered the 1990s, the urgency to address environmental challenges took center stage, and the Society for International Development (SID) rose to the occasion with a renewed focus on environmental sustainability. Building on its legacy of promoting socio-economic justice and democratic participation, SID recognized the critical importance of protecting the planet and prioritizing sustainable development practices. Throughout the 1990s, the organization pioneered initiatives aimed at creating a greener and more sustainable future for all.

1990s

The 2000s: The Fifth Decade

The 2000s marked a significant milestone for the Society for International Development (SID) as it celebrated 50 years of tireless commitment to promoting socio-economic justice and democratic participation in the global development process. Throughout this momentous decade, SID continued to be a beacon of hope, harnessing the power of ideas to address key issues like poverty. With a strong emphasis on innovation and collective action, SID's contributions in the 2000s shaped development strategies and paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable world.

2000 2

The 2010s: The Sixth Decade

The 2010s marked a crucial moment for global development with the adoption of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Central to the success of this ambitious agenda was the need for adequate financing to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SID recognized this imperative and played an instrumental role in promoting the Financing for Development process.

2010

More than 6 Decades of Development: Pioneering Ideas and Transformative Initiatives

For over six decades, the Society for International Development (SID) has been at the forefront of shaping the global development landscape.
Through pioneering initiatives that have become commonplace in development discourse and practice, SID has played a pivotal role in advancing socio-economic justice, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and fostering critical dialogues on key development themes.

This journey of over 65 years showcases SID's commitment to nurturing new ideas and approaches for a more inclusive and equitable world.

Incubating Innovative Development Concepts

From its inception, SID has served as an incubator for innovative development concepts. It has been a driving force behind international policy dialogues and policy change on various critical themes. One of the remarkable contributions of SID has been its engagement in environmental issues and sustainable development. Long before environmental sustainability became a mainstream concern, SID was advocating for responsible stewardship of natural resources and the integration of environmental considerations in development planning.
Similarly, SID has been a champion for gender equality and the empowerment of women in development. It recognized the fundamental role women play in social and economic progress and advocated for their inclusion in decision-making processes and development programs.
The concept of human development, which places people at the center of development processes, was embraced and promoted by SID early on. By prioritizing the well-being and capabilities of individuals, SID paved the way for a more inclusive and holistic approach to development.

Facilitating New Ideas and Critical Thinking

Today, SID continues to be a facilitator of new ideas and critical thinking in the development sector. Through the promotion of research, analysis, and policy dialogues, the organization encourages multi-actor and holistic discussions on various development paradigms.
SID's commitment to economic justice and social inclusion remains unwavering. The organization strives to find alternatives to conventional development paths and involve all actors, including governments, civil society, private sector, and local communities, in shaping transformative policies and programmes.

A Global Network of Impact

SID's impact extends beyond its headquarters in Rome and Nairobi. With chapters located worldwide, the organization maintains a strong link to policy dialogue and practice at local and regional levels. This global network facilitates cross-cultural exchanges of knowledge and experiences, enriching the collective understanding of development challenges and opportunities.

 

 

The Journal: A Chronicle of Development Dichotomies

Over the years, SID's flagship publication, the Development  Journal, has chronicled the evolving narrative of development. Through its covers, the journal consistently highlights the political, social, and cultural dichotomies that have shaped development approaches and policy responses.

From examining the challenges of poverty and inequality to exploring the potential and challenges of technology and sustainable practices, the "Development Journal" has been a repository of insights from visionaries of development. Many influential voices in the field have graced its pages, contributing to the exchange of ideas that drive positive change.

As the Society for International Development celebrates over six decades of development initiatives, its legacy of innovation, inclusivity, and visionary leadership shines through. From pioneering ideas in sustainable livelihoods and environmental protection to advocating for gender equity and human development, SID has continually pushed the boundaries of conventional thinking.
As SID moves forward, it remains steadfast in its commitment to foster critical dialogues, advance new development paradigms, and involve all in the collective creation of a more just world.