This annual report marks two milestones in 2016: CGD’s 15th anniversary and, at the end of the year, its first leadership transition, with founding president Nancy Birdsall being succeeded by Masood Ahmed. In this first era, the Center has established itself as an influential voice in international development policy, with a unique model of nonpartisan policy innovation.
Marrying research-based recommendations with the political acumen to find common ground between divergent interests has been CGD’s hallmark. It has resulted in tangible improvements in the processes and institutions that support development.