The Social and Economic Policy Program Area focuses on public policies that can help to reduce poverty and enhance social equity in developing countries.  It works to strengthen long-term research capacities, to support policy-relevant research on issues of immediate policy concern, and to facilitate public accountability by helping researchers and civil society organizations participate effectively in policy debates at the local, national, and international levels.

• Globalization, Growth, and Poverty
  This program aims to enable developing countries to design appropriate domestic policies and international integration strategies for promoting more inclusive and equitable growth.

• Peace, Conflict and Development
  The Peace, Conflict, and Development Program Initiative supports research to understand the causes and consequences of violent conflict, and to strengthen transitions from conflict to lasting peace.

• Think Tank Initiative
  The Think Tank Initiative is a new, multi-donor program dedicated to strengthening independent policy research institutions – or “think tanks” – in developing countries, enabling them to better provide sound research that both informs and influences policy.

• Women's Rights and Citizenship
  Supports research geared to understanding – and eliminating – the barriers to women’s exercise of their rights as citizens.