Welcome to the Center of Development  Studies

          The Birzeit University Center for Development Studies (CDS) was established in 1997 as a research  programme specializing in development studies. It  aims to deepen understanding of the development   process in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in view of the domestic and international challenges it faces. Living under occupation for the past 40 years, Palestinian  society’s right to development remains severely  restricted. However, the Center for Development Studies seeks to provide an institutional framework within  which all development-related issues can be considered, researched and discussed with a view of  providing practical guidance and assistance to    the relevant decision makers.  

          The Centre coordinates a number of academic research projects in the area of development with local and international institutions. It is also involved in community based projects that seek to empower marginalized groups and integrate them in the development process. The Center’s activities are supervised by a committee of academic and administrative staff members from Birzeit University who provide it with both technical and academic support.