EfD's Annual Report 2025

Welcome to EfD's Annual Report 2025

Below are some highlights from 2025 from EfD's global network. It's been a very eventful and busy year, and if you want to learn more about what we've been doing, please check out the News and Stories sections here on our website! You can also download a PDF version if you want a more comprehensive report.

Introduction

Impact stories

EfD aims to contribute to locally grounded, evidence-based policy-
making that benefits people and the environment. We do this by conducting high-quality, policy-relevant research, training the current and next generation of decision-makers, and actively engaging with policymakers and other stakeholders. Below are some examples.

Policy engagement

The researchers at EfD are conducting policy-relevant research aimed at supporting the energy transition, facilitating adaptation to climate change, and promoting the sustainable management of our natural capital in an inclusive and gender -ensitive manner.

Key to achieving these objectives is our active engagement with policymakers and stakeholders. The robust local networks of EfD centers with government agencies and other organizations constitute EfD’s greatest asset, which can be leveraged at the regional and international levels in collaboration with our partners.

Research

One of EfD's cornerstones is high-quality, policy-relevant research. This research is instrumental in supporting evidence-based policies crucial for an inclusive and resilient economic development amidst the triple planetary crisis – climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

EfD provides unique opportunities for research collaborations, South-South as well as South-North, within its thematic collaborative programs.

Below is a summary of EfD research in 2025, including a presentation of the work of the five collaborative programs. For more research articles, read the PDF version of the Annual Report 2025 or check out the News and Publications sections on this website!

Capacity development

Effective policymaking demands both the capacity and locally adapted tools to analyze and support the implementation of policies and investments crucial for transitioning towards an inclusive and resilient development trajectory.

Beyond conducting research, EfD is committed to cultivating present and future leaders and experts through training programs for students, researchers, and civil servants.

Institutional Development

EfD aims to elevate its centers into internationally acclaimed research environments, capable of administering graduate academic programs, conducting policy research, and fostering meaningful engagement with key stakeholders to inform policies and practices.

This vision encompasses capacity development, peer learning, the cultivation of robust partnerships with domestic host institutions, and fostering greater collaboration with academic counterparts from the Global North