Partners

An initial cohort of Southern research partners will lead country case studies and thematic analyses over a three-year period (2026–2028), supported by funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC):

• Addis Ababa University (AAU) – Ethiopia
• Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) – Bangladesh
• Centre for Research in Environmental Economics, Sustainability and Policy (CREESP) / Environment for Development (EfD) – Rwanda
• Egyptian Centre for Economic Studies (ECES) – Egypt
• ENDA Énergie – Senegal
• FGV Center for Sustainability Studies – Brazil
• Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) – Indonesia
• South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) – South Africa
• Universidad de los Andes (Uniandes) – Colombia

The network is facilitated through a partnership between Southern research institutions and coordinating partners WRI, ODI Global and SAIIA. The coordinating partners provide quality assurance and international engagement in support of Southern-led research.

Addis Ababa University (AAU) – Ethiopia

Addis Ababa University (AAU) is the oldest and largest higher learning and research institution in Ethiopia, considered the country’s leading center in teaching-learning, research and community services. Through its broad academic and research programs, AAU contributes knowledge and expertise across a range of disciplines relevant to Ethiopia’s development priorities. AAU will lead country-level research and stakeholder engagement in Ethiopia for the Southern Country Platform Research Network.

Featured Expert

Zerayehu Sime Eshete
Associate Professor of Economics

Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) – Bangladesh

Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) is a think tank providing in-depth research and dialogue to promote inclusive policymaking in Bangladesh and strengthen regional and global economic integration. Established in 1993 with the vision of creating an inclusive society based on equity, justice, fairness and good governance, CPD addresses regional and global policymaking through strategic partnerships while serving national needs. CPD will lead country-level research and stakeholder engagement in Bangladesh for the Southern Country Platform Research Network.

Centre for Research in Environmental Economics, Sustainability and Policy (CREESP) / Environment for Development (EfD) – Rwanda

The Centre for Research in Environmental Economics, Sustainability and Policy (CREESP) is a dedicated research centre that serves as the institutional host of EfD Rwanda and provides the platform for coordinating and implementing EfD’s research, policy engagement, capacity development and stakeholder collaboration activities in the country. CREESP/EfD Rwanda builds on an established collaboration with the University of Gothenburg and is committed to leveraging policy engagement, policy-relevant research, graduate training, interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement and outreach to address pressing environmental and development challenges and promote sustainable development in Rwanda. CREESP/EfD Rwanda will lead country-level research and stakeholder engagement in Rwanda for the Southern Country Platform Research Network.

Featured Expert

Edouard Musabanaganji
Professor and CREESP/EfD Rwanda Director

Egyptian Centre for Economic Studies (ECES) – Egypt

The Egyptian Center for Economic Studies (ECES) is an independent, non-profit think tank that conducts specialized economic research, drawing on international experience and constructive discussions among various stakeholders. ECES’s main objective is to propose sound economic policies and institutional and legislative reforms that contribute to sustainable development in Egypt, based on a combination of economic efficiency and social justice. ECES will lead country-level research and stakeholder engagement in Egypt for the Southern Country Platform Research Network.

Featured Expert

Dr. Abla Abdel Latif
Executive Director and Director of Research
 

ENDA Énergie – Senegal

ENDA Énergie is an NGO based in Senegal and a member of the international Enda Third World network. ENDA Énergie’s focus has expanded from analyzing energy problems in development in terms of needs and appropriate technologies, to implementing multilateral environmental agreements and integrating them into development and poverty reduction. ENDA Énergie will lead country-level research and stakeholder engagement in Senegal for the Southern Country Platform Research Network.

FGV Center for Sustainability Studies – Brazil

The FGV Center for Sustainability Studies (FGVces) offers multidisciplinary research into local, national and international sustainability management. FGVces develops programs and business initiatives dedicated to seven lines of action: local development, integrated training, sustainable finance, environmental politics and economics, sustainability in value chains, business initiatives, and adaptation, resilience and risk management. FGVces will lead country-level research and stakeholder engagement in Brazil for the Southern Country Platform Research Network.

Featured Expert

Fabio Almeida
Head of Program, Sustainable Finance

Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) – Indonesia

Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) is a think tank in the field of energy and environment. IESR encourages transformation into a low carbon energy system by advocating for public policy that rests on data-driven and scientific studies, conducting capacity development assistance and establishing strategic partnerships with non-governmental actors. IESR will lead country-level research and stakeholder engagement in Indonesia for the Southern Country Platform Research Network.

Featured Expert

Fabby Tumiwa
Chief Executive Officer

Universidad de los Andes (Uniandes) – Colombia

Universidad de los Andes (Uniandes) is a co-educational, nonsectarian private university located in downtown Bogotá, Colombia. Founded in 1948, it is ranked 8th among the top universities in Latin America. The university brings together a broad range of academic disciplines, with a growing focus on graduate education and research. Uniandes will lead country-level research and stakeholder engagement in Colombia for the Southern Country Platform Research Network.

South African Institute of International Affairs – South Africa

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent public policy think tank advancing a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa. For nearly a century, SAIIA has been a trusted source of knowledge and analysis, empowering decision-makers at the local, regional and global levels. SAIIA will lead country-level research and stakeholder engagement in South Africa, while also supporting global coordination of the Southern Country Platform Research Network.

ODI Global

ODI Global advises global leaders on driving positive change. ODI Global turns bold ideas, evidence and broad expertise into actionable strategies for a more resilient, just and equitable future. ODI Global will support the coordination of the Southern Country Platform Research Network, providing methodological support, quality assurance and global convening.

World Resources Institute

WRI is an independent research organization that leverages data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. As a coordinating partner of the Southern Country Platform Research Network, WRI will provide coordination, quality assurance and international engagement in support of Southern-led research.

Featured Expert

Crispian Olver
Senior Advisor