IDRC to announce South Asian phase

Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) will publicly announce the South Asian phase of the Think Tank Initiative, a multi-donor program dedicated to strengthening independent "think tanks" on January 21 in Galle.

The Think Tank Initiative, funded by IDRC, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will provide long-term support to qualifying organizations to enable them to better provide sound independent research that both informs and influences policy. The Think Tank Initiative, already active in Africa, will be rolling out in South Asia in spring 2009.

"Most developing country Think Tanks never receive the predictable core funding that would allow them to plan for the long term, establish their own research priorities, and invest in creating strong research programs," said IDRC President, David Malone. "Investing in grassroots research and knowledge is critical to building healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies."

The Think Tank Initiative will strengthen a select group of independent policy research organizations based in developing countries, such that these organizations can provide objective, high-quality research that informs and influences policy. More information could be found at www.idrc.ca/thinktank