Established in 2004, the Global Development Institute for Public Administration (GDI) started as a research center at the Graduate School of Public Administration, Seoul National University (SNU). With a vision towards the center of excellence in development policy studies since the establishment, GDI has been carrying out numerous research activities and training programs. After its six successful years of work, GDI was promoted to a university research institute in March 2010.

GDI(Global Development Institute for Public Affairs)'s research and training areas span various topics, which include socioeconomic development, public sector management, policy capacity building, social protection, international relations and security, ICT policy, sustainable development, and science and technology policy. GDI's training programs have been participated in by government officials from developing countries, and the total number is counted up to hundreds. Utilizing East-Asian experiences of development, peculiarly those of Korea's, has vitalized GDI's learning contents. The remarkable contribution of distinguished expertise is one of the core strengths of the GDI, and its seamless partnership with a number of organizations, such as Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and many governments, is another.

The GDI continues to invest its effort to meet the essential needs of the developing world in the field of public policy and administration. The GDI has set up clear plans for its future; strengthening its research function and consolidating its global network. Being proud to serve the global community, we aim to move the world forward, together.

• Capacity Building

The GDI has been running capacity-building programs for public officials from developing countries.

• The Research & Dissemination

The GDI has hosted various international seminars, workshops, and academic conferences and carried out research related to economic and social development, utilizing academic and professional expertise gained from the Graduate School of Public Administration (GSPA), Seoul National University.

• Network Building

The GDI promotes international cooperation in the field of public administration. To this end, we have established a research network with a wide and diverse range of organizations across the public and private sectors in developing countries, and seek to further interact with Africa, Latin America and more Asian countries in the future.