We believe in a just world in which men and women are equally able to choose, plan and manage their own lives and communities, and to influence local, national and global development in ways that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

Our mission is to build the capacity of professionals and institutions to design and implement innovative, sustainable and inclusive strategies at the local, national and global levels, that enable those people who are generally excluded from decision-making by poverty or their social and cultural identity, to play a full and rewarding role in their own development.

In this sense the DPU:

• Challenges orthodox development agendas in its teaching and training in London and throughout the world;

• Explores and tests enabling, participatory and gender aware approaches to development through action oriented research;

• Promotes the formation of strategic partnerships for the integrated and inclusive management of cities and development through institutional advice and consultancy;

• Supports the networking of individuals, community organisations, NGOs, and public sector institutions which share the DPU vision.