The Next Step in Social Development , the World Summit for Social Development and the Fourth World Conference on Women , inspire new research programmes and reinforce ongoing activities. Consultative relationships Other United Nations organizations, governments, non-governmental agencies and research institutes provide important inputs that help to shape the research agenda. These influences and ideas are considered in terms of their relevance to the Institute's mandate and evaluated in light of current capacity. Once projects are approved by the Board, funding is sought. Today, contributions come from governments, non-governmental organizations, foundations, and United Nations agencies.
Core funding comes from a small group of countries and is generally pledged on an annual basis.
The Institute believes that studies should be carried out by national researchers, allowing research themes to be adapted to situations on the ground and considered by those most knowledgeable on local conditions. The Institute believes that studies should be carried out by national researchers, allowing research themes to be adapted to situations on the ground and considered by those most knowledgeable on local conditions. This methodology has led to a decentralized structure that provides flexibility and implies a strategic use of networking. Networks create new synergies, opening up possibilities for interaction among people who might be unaware of efforts undertaken by colleagues in other parts of the world. These specialists, who are themselves researchers, advise on conceptual and methodological issues, and seek funding.