The Centre for Development (CfD) is a Non-Government initiative to promote multi-dimensional development nexus between Scotland and other nations.

Indeed, an Economic Development Forum (EDF), based at the Department of Economics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, which since 1998 was functioning as a platform for policy dialogue on socio-economic development issues relating to both Scotland and South Asian nations, forms the basis of this non-government organisation.

Historically, the South Asian nations have been continuing to maintain profound multilateral relations with Scotland since the East India Company’s merchant trade with Bengal began in the mid-17th century. Notably, Dundee’s industrial glory was rooted in Bengal’s jute. And now Scotland’s Cairn Energy plc is a major player in both India and Bangladesh in off-shore oil and gas explorations, alongside a number of on-going collaborations, links and exchange programmes in various fields of bilateral importance. The obvious bond among these countries has inspired development enthusiasts to give EDF a further shape into an organisation which since February 2006 is known as The Centre for Development (CƒD).

The CƒD seeks to influence the development of both Scotland and developing countries through promoting education and research collaborations, encouraging investment and trade, and promoting cultural and youth exchanges among these countries.

For enquiries about the CfD - activities, membership, conference, etc, please mail us to cfdscotland@hotmail.com

The central focus of the Centre for Development (CƒD) is to promote and strengthen the socio-economic development community in undertaking creative and innovative initiatives to facilitate closer interaction amongst development practitioners, academics, researchers, investors and donors, NGO operators and social entrepreneurs, arts and cultural operators, etc, and encourage interdisciplinary exchange and cooperation towards greater mutual benefit of both Scotland and the developing countries.

The CƒD aims to

• Promote a pool of experts on alternative processes and methods of socio-economic change and international development;
• Encourage and promote innovative entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at developing social businesses along the line of Grameen community empowerment bottom-up approach;
• Facilitate maximum interaction among CƒD members through inter-disciplinary meetings, seminars and conferences on socio-economic issues and bringing their expertise known to a wider audience of development partners and donors;
• Disseminate information on advanced knowledge, studies and research on multi-dimensional aspects of socio-economic development through newsletters, publications, website, etc;
• Explore advanced learning and research opportunities in Scotland for the students and academics from the developing countries, and work placement and research opportunities for Scottish students and academics in developing countries;
• Connect development community – development practitioners, academics and researchers, prospective investors, social entrepreneurs, NGO entrepreneurs, arts and cultural operators, etc both in Scotland and developing countries;
• Communicate with prospective resource persons and organisations to forge collaborations and exchange programmes between Scotland and developing countries in areas such as education, health, culture, business, technology, etc;
• Strengthen partnerships with the voluntary, statutory and community sectors in Scotland, thus enhancing the promotion of strong inter-community and cross-cultural relations.

Membership is open to anyone believing in and supporting the Centre for Development (CƒD)’s Mission Statement.

• Membership shall comprise Ordinary Members, Honorary Members and Corporate Members.
• Ordinary Member: Individual who subscribes to the objectives of the Centre.
• Honorary Member: Person who has made an outstanding contribution as a socio-economic development academician and / or practitioner.
• Corporate Member: Any institution or organisation whose activities or interest conform to the Mission Statement of CƒD.

Membership Fee

• Entry Fee for Ordinary Member - £50 in the First Year, followed by £25 per annum (£15 for per annum for Students and Unwaged)
• Corporate Member - £100 in the First Year, followed by £50 per annum

The Centre for Development (CƒD)’s temporary office location:
 
Glasgow University Union Complex
32 University Avenue
Glasgow G12 8LX
 

The CƒD functions in close association with the universities, research organisations, and socio-cultural bodies in Scotland. It operates on small grants against research projects on diverse socio-economic development issues, plus seminars, workshops, etc.

On 19 July 2001 The CƒD organised a Talk by a renowned economist and finance expert, Professor Mansur Masih of Edith Cowan University in Australia on the “Asian Crisis: Perspectives and Challenges” held at the Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

On 21 June 2007 The CƒD organised a Conference on ‘The East-West Relations’ at the University of Glasgow. Renowned international relations expert and political scientist, Professor Winston E Langley, Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA gave a Talk on "Meeting of The East and West".

On 01 December 2008, The CƒD organised a Festive Party at the University of Glasgow to celebrate Nobel Peace Prize Winner, microeconomics champion Professor Muhammad Yunus’ first visit to Glasgow when he delivered highly prestigious Adam Smith Lecture Marking 250th Anniversary of Adam Smith’s The Theory of Moral Sentiments at the University of Glasgow, and a Public Lecture on “Alleviating Poverty: Microcredit and Social Business” at Glasgow Caledonian University. Indeed, The CƒD took the initiative and facilitated Professor Yunus’ visit to Glasgow just immediate after his Nobel Prize Award on 13 October 2006.

On 04 July 2010, At the invitation of The CƒD, the Nobel Man Dr Muhammad Yunus would again be in Glasgow to speak to the International Conference on Tackling Poverty For a Fairer World: New Microeconomics Revolution Along the Grameen Path on Sunday, 4 July 2010 at the University of Glasgow, Scotland.