GDLN is a global partnership of learning centers that use advanced information and communication technologies to connect people working in development around the world.
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About GDLN
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The Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) is a partnership of over 120 learning centers (GDLN Affiliates) in nearly 80 countries around the world. GDLN Affiliates collaborate in holding events that connect people across countries and regions for learning and dialogue on development issues. Offering a combination of distance learning tools such as interactive videoconferencing and the internet, and expert facilitation and learning techniques, GDLN Affiliates enable individuals, teams, and organizations working in development around the world to communicate, share knowledge, and learn from each others’ experiences in a timely and cost-effective manner.
GDLN clients are typically NGOs, government, private sector and development agencies who find that they work better together on subregional, regional or global development issues and challenges using the facilities and tools offered by GDLN Affiliates. Clients also benefit from the ability of Affiliates to help them choose and apply these tools effectively, and to tap development practitioners and experts worldwide. GDLN Affiliates facilitate around 1000 videoconference-based activities a year on behalf of their clients, reaching some 90,000 people worldwide. Most of these activities bring together participants in two or more countries over a series of session. A majority of GDLN activities are organized by small government agencies and NGOs.
Read about GDLN Activities in the Story of the Week archives
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History, Growth and Evolution
Since its launch in June 2000, GDLN has grown from 11 to over 120 Affiliates (as of January 2007), evolving from a partnership into a consortium representing best practices and trends in virtual learning networks. Each Affiliate both contributes to and gains from the growing body of knowledge and contacts across the network. With the advancement of technology initiatives such as Internet2, the Network has experienced dynamic growth in middle income countries across the Americas, Asia and parts of Eastern Europe, where emerging in-country networks are remarkably increasing GDLN’s reach and use.
Most GDLN Affiliates are located in developing countries, typically hosted by universities, think tanks and other local institutions that work on development policy and programs. Some Affiliates were set up through World Bank loans or grants, notably in Africa, and a few are colocated with World Bank offices.
GDLN was initiated in June 2000 under the leadership of the World Bank. Today the World Bank provides support to Network-wide central strategy, communications, processes and systems, and is also an important client of the Network.
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Governance
The Network’s governance model reflects the roles, responsibilities, and commitment of the different types of institutions involved in GDLN.
The World Bank participates in the Network through various teams in the Bank’s regional vice presidencies, the Bank’s Information Solutions Group (ISG), and the World Bank Institute (WBI). Together, these teams form the Network’s “hub.” A GDLN management team representing each of these groups acts as the GDLN secretariat, overseeing the management, business operation, and overall direction of the Network.
Each GDLN Affiliate signs a Network Agreement with the World Bank. The agreement formalizes the Affiliate’s association with the Network, as well as its commitment to GDLN business policies and procedures. Affiliates in Africa, the Americas and East Asia and the Pacific have formed regional GDLN associations, holding regular meetings and exchanges. Some Affiliates participate more actively through management and coordination of the Network at the national and regional level. All Affiliates contribute to the formulation of Network business policies, agreements, and more.
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GDLN teams at the World Bank
To learn about the different GDLN teams across the World Bank click here.
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