The Institute for International Urban Development is committed to promoting sustainable urban and regional development. We operate at the policy, program and project levels with teams that include regional experts and members of our network of local affiliates. In all of our activities, we work with decision-makers, executive agencies, NGOs and CBOs responsible for implementation. Our action research is structured to contribute to the understanding of complex urban dynamics and the drivers of change and transformations in cities and regions. Our technical assistance activities emphasize strategy, process, and action to achieve planning and development goals in emerging economies around the world. In addition, we offer executive courses designed to help local officials acquire the skills for effective urban planning and management in the challenging context of developing countries. Our work focuses on sustainability, local development, participatory processes and community-based development initiatives. We were granted special consultative status by UN-ECOSOC in July 2007 and are active in international networks concerned with issues of development, environment and culture including ECOSOC, UNESCO, HABITAT and UNEP. We also offer internships to advanced planning students and young professionals interested in an international public service career, and we assist educational institutions in the development of their research and teaching activities. The Institute is primarily funded through sponsored activities, whether technical assistance, action research or executive education programs. Thirty-five percent of funding comes through gifts and board member contributions. If you are interested in funding the Institute or any of our activities, please contact Mary Shia, Director of Individual and Corporate Giving, at ( 617 ) 852-8343 or [email protected].