Global MDP

The idea for the Master of Development Practice (MDP) program emerged in 2007 and the first students matriculated in 2009. #MDP

Today, the MDP degree program and the associated MDP Global Association include nearly 40 universities and countless partners among civil society and public and private sectors (Global Association, 2019) #MDP

In the early years of this millennium, those generally engaged in global sustainable devt efforts and, in particular, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), came to recognize shortcomings in the way that complex global challenges were being conceived, analyzed, and addressed.

At that time, John W. McArthur of Columbia’s Earth Institute wrote about a paradox: that the training for a major category of devt professionals, though deep, was narrow, and commonly misaligned with the breadth of responsibilities and the far-reaching influence of decisions made

In light of this challenge, the MacArthur Foundation supported the creation of the Int'l Commission on Education for Sustainable Development Practice , and its mission to investigate current training for devt professionals and to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement

The Commission consisted of a group of experts and practitioners from fields considered to be related to international development. In total, 20 individuals representing six regions participated in the commission, which was co-chaired by John W. McArthur and Jeffrey D. Sachs.

The approach was inspired by a report written by Flexner (1910) that revolutionized medical training at a time when medical training was dominated by trade schools typically unaffiliated with institutions of higher learning and lasted only two years.#MDP

The work of the ICESDP commenced in 2007 and culminated with a comprehensive report (ICESDP, 2008). #MDP

The MacArthur Report : The Commission conducted a diagnosis of the current state of sustainable development training and practice. #MDP

Under the guidance of its six regional coordinators, members undertook a series of consultations that engaged a cross-section of practitioners from universities, government and non-government agencies, financial institutions, and other development-focused organizations - #MDP

...in Africa, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and South Asia (ICESDP, 2008).

Consultations focused on professional education programs and training opportunities within sustainable development-oriented organizations. #MDP

Throughout the process, commissioners explored training approaches related to problem-solving across disciplines and systematic skill-development for a range of core competencies. #MDP

The Commission’s effort highlighted a deficiency of cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills within the field of sustainable development. #MDP

These findings suggested the need for a new type of “generalist practitioner,” one who understands the complexity of the interactions between areas of specialty (fields) and is capable of coordinating, translating, and implementing insights that emerged from subject experts. #MDP

The Commission envisioned these individuals taking roles in government; non-governmental organizations; multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations; foundations; and the private sector. #MDP

This cadre of professionals wld complement the role of disciplinary specialists by navigating and forging connections btw d “intellectual and institutional silos of specialized disciplines to develop integrated policy solutions that are scientifically and contextually grounded”

Recommendations: The Commission generated four, specific recommendations to address the general shortcomings identified through its effort. First, it recognized the need to establish a set of core competencies for sustainable development practitioners. #MDP

These competencies would feature universal knowledge and skills essential to the integrative role envisioned and would also provide a sound foundation for the life-long learning that was perceived to be essential to ongoing success and relevance in a complex and dynamic world.

Second, the Commission recommended the creation of the MDP program that would incorporate the core competencies and, notably, the interdisciplinary and integrative approaches that would distinguish program graduates.#MDP

Moreover, it was suggested that MDP programs should be affiliated through the creation of a global network that attended to local contexts but also fostered the exchange of ideas and people for a more holistic cross-learning and professional development experience. #MDP

Third, the Commission advocated for the creation of professional development programs to provide training to graduates of the degree program, as well as to a greater number of professionals who are already in the field and are unlikely to participate in a formal, degree program.

Finally, the Commission recommended the creation of a Secretariat responsible for the oversight and coordination of the network for the MDP degree program. #MDP

The Secretariat would establish curriculum standards, represent the degree at major forums, and facilitate the network’s engagement with academic and professional communities. #MDP

The impact of any particular educational intervention relates not only to content and delivery, but also to timing. #MDP

The decision to develop a masters level degree program focused on sustainable development practice surely factored in the benefits of targeting students who had already completed a university degree with a particular focus. #MDP

That education, augmented with some early career experience, perfectly positioned prospective students for the objectives of the MDP degree. #MDP

The Master of Development Practice (MDP) Program: The Commission provided a template for an MDP degree program designed to “produce highly skilled ‘generalist’ practitioners prepared to confront complex sustainable development challenges” #MDP

The vision for both the degree program and other professional development opportunities was shaped by four, guiding principles. Such training should aspire to prioritize: Integrated knowledge among health sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, and management. #MDP