Sustainable Development Policy Institute

What Sustainable Development Policy Institute does

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) is a non-governmental, non-partisan policy research institute headquartered in Islamabad, Pakistan, founded in August 1992 on the recommendation of Pakistan's National Conservation Strategy (the country's Agenda 21). Registered under the Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860, the institute employs 101-250 staff across 11 specialised centres covering climate resilience, energy transition, water-food-energy nexus, education, health, gender equality, governance, trade and regional connectivity, urban sustainability, and peacebuilding. SDPI serves Pakistan's federal and provincial governments, UN agencies (UNDP, UNESCO, UNODC, UNICEF), bilateral and multilateral donors (FCDO, USAID, GIZ, IDRC, British Council), universities, civil society, and the private sector.

The institute's product portfolio spans research publications (policy briefs, working papers, the peer-reviewed Journal of Development Practices and Policy Review), the flagship annual Sustainable Development Conference (29th edition scheduled for November 2026), SDTV digital media platform, and the Center for Learning & Development (CLD) — which has delivered over 1,500 training workshops and trained 15,000+ professionals from 650+ organisations. Technology components include interactive monitoring dashboards (ILMpact Dashboards tracking 160,000 students across 15 districts, CLP Student Performance Analytics Dashboard) and a Pakistan Two-Wheeler Fuel Economy & EV Transition policy simulator, supported by knowledge networks (NCET, D4D, NCE) and the Pakistan Climate Action Hub.

SDPI generates revenue through commissioned research, policy consulting engagements with government and international entities, and fee-based training services via CLD. Funding comes from international donors, multilateral development partners, government contracts, and institutional partnerships — no public pricing or audited revenue figures are disclosed. Go-to-market combines high-profile convening (SDC, policy dialogues, parliamentary consultations), direct government advisory via senior staff appointments to advisory councils, institutional MoUs (20+ partnerships), and multi-channel digital dissemination (bi-monthly e-newsletters, social media, SDTV). SDPI holds UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status (2022) and was the first Pakistani organisation accredited as an Observer Organisation of the Commonwealth (2025).

Name

Sustainable Development Policy Institute

Legal name

Sustainable Development Policy Institute

Website

https://sdpi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Sustainable Development Policy Institute is a non-partisan policy research think tank in Islamabad, Pakistan, conducting evidence-based research, policy advisory, and training across climate, energy, education, governance, and economic development for government, multilateral, and civil society stakeholders.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Policy Research Services

NAICS

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)

akta.pro primary industry

Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation (BPAGAGAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Climate Adaptation & Resilience Programs (BPADALAD), Technical Cooperation, Capacity Building & Policy Advisory Programs (BPADABAO), Environmental Education, Capacity Building & Community Engagement (BPADALAO), Economic Research, Statistics & Policy Advisory (BPADAMAJ), Public Health Strategy, Policy & Legislation (HLAJAMAA)

Keywords

• Policy research services
• Sustainable development consulting
• Capacity building training
• Policy advisory services
• Development research publications

Headquarters

HQ city

Islamabad

HQ country

Pakistan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Research and Consulting Services: SDPI generates revenue through commissioned research projects, policy consulting engagements with government and international entities, and fee-based training services through its Centre for Learning and Development.
2. Training and Capacity Building Services: The Centre for Learning and Development conducts fee-based training workshops for development organizations, academia, research institutions, and corporate sector. Since inception, CLD has conducted more than 1500 training workshops and trained more than 15000 professionals from over 650 organizations.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SDPI conducts policy-oriented, evidence-based research and provides high-level policy advisory services to governments and international organizations on sustainable development themes including climate resilience, water-food-energy nexus, education, health, gender equality, governance and economic policy. It also runs fee-based capacity-building training through its Centre for Learning and Development, organizes the flagship annual Sustainable Development Conference series, and publishes peer-reviewed research outputs including policy briefs, working papers, journals and SDC anthologies.

Product overview

The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) operates as a multi-faceted policy research organization offering a portfolio of interconnected products and services. The core offerings include the annual Sustainable Development Conference (SDC) series since 1995 producing peer-reviewed anthologies, SDPI Publications including the Journal of Development Practices and Policy Review (JoDPRP), and SDTV digital media platform. SDPI's technology-enabled products include data dashboards (ILMpact Dashboards, CLP Student Performance Analytics Dashboard) and policy simulators (Pakistan Two-Wheeler Fuel Economy & EV Transition Dashboard). Knowledge dissemination is supported through three knowledge networks (NCET, D4D, NCE), regular e-newsletters, and the Center for Learning & Development providing training programs. The organization serves policymakers, researchers, civil society, and development practitioners through evidence-based research, policy advocacy, and capacity building.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SDTV: SDPI's digital media platform showcasing documentaries, podcasts, interviews, and expert analyses on sustainable development topics.
• SDC (Sustainable Development Conference)
• CLD (Center for Learning & Development)

Products and services

• Sustainable Development Conference (SDC) SDPI's flagship annual event since 1995 bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and civil society for evidence-based dialogue and research exchange on sustainable development issues across Asia. Produces peer-reviewed anthologies through a partnership with Sang-e-Meel Publishers.
• SDPI Publications Evidence-based publications including policy briefs, working papers, reports, anthologies, and compendiums covering economy, climate change, social development, gender, and governance, designed to inform decision-making by policymakers.
• Journal of Development Practices and Policy Review (JoDPRP) Peer-reviewed academic journal publishing research on development practices and policy analysis.
• Centre for Learning and Development (CLD) Training Programmes Fee-based training and capacity-building centre delivering workshops for development organizations, academia, research institutions, and the corporate sector on research quality, leadership, governance, and sustainable development. Since inception, CLD has conducted more than 1,500 training workshops and trained more than 15,000 professionals from over 650 organizations.
• SDTV Digital Media Platform SDPI's owned digital media platform hosting an extensive library of original documentaries, podcasts, interviews, and expert analyses on research insights and policy debates.
• Network for Clean Energy Transition in Pakistan (NCET) Active knowledge network focused on clean energy transition policy, research, and dialogue in Pakistan.
• Data for Development (D4D) Knowledge network and project microsite supporting data-driven development research and policy engagement.
• Network on Circular Economy (NCE) Knowledge platform preserving resources, outputs, and engagement from SDPI's ecological sustainability and circular economy work.
• ILMpact Dashboards Interactive digital monitoring and learning platform for the 'Girls and Out-of-School Children: Action for Learning' initiative across 15 districts in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, supporting real-time monitoring of 160,000 students including 64,000 out-of-school children.
• Catch-Up Learning Programme (CLP) Student Performance Analytics Dashboard Interactive dashboard tracking student learning progress across Urdu, English, and Math from baseline to endline assessments, with filters for province, partner, district, tehsil, school, gender, and assessment stage.
• Pakistan Two-Wheeler Fuel Economy & EV Transition Policy Simulator Interactive policy simulator enabling policymakers to simulate the financial impacts of petrol price changes, targeted subsidies, and electric two-wheeler adoption scenarios using household fuel consumption and provincial baseline data.
• Pakistan Climate Action Hub Digital platform coordinating and tracking climate action initiatives and policy recommendations.
• E-Newsletter Subscriptions Bi-monthly electronic newsletters covering Pakistan's energy transition, China Study Centre updates, and information technology and telecommunication topics.
• High-Level Policy Advisory Services Direct policy advisory engagements with federal and provincial governments, planning commissions, regulatory bodies, and international entities; staff serve on government committees including the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council and Pakistan Climate Change Council.
• SDC Anthologies Peer-reviewed conference publications jointly published with Sang-e-Meel Publishers, covering themes from economic development and climate to governance and social equity.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1500 training workshops conducted; more than 15000 professionals trained from over 650 organizations
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and regional.

• National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Government of PakistancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026SDPI and NIDM signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) in 2026 to collaborate on disaster risk management research, policy development, and capacity building initiatives in Pakistan.
• Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026SDPI and CCP signed an MoU in 2026 to collaborate on research and policy engagement related to competition policy and consumer protection in Pakistan.
• AI Geo NavigatorcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026SDPI and AI Geo Navigator signed an MoU in 2026 to collaborate on geospatial data integration and technology solutions for development research.
• AHK Foundation (German-Pakistani Business Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026SDPI and AHK Foundation signed an MoU in 2026 to collaborate on economic research, trade policy, and business environment analysis between Pakistan and Germany.
• Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025SDPI and AIOU signed an MoU in 2025 to collaborate on academic research, distance education programmes, and knowledge sharing initiatives.
• Comsats University (CUST)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024SDPI and CUST signed an MoU in 2024 to collaborate on research projects, student internships, and academic exchange programmes.
• Infectious Diseases Society of Pakistan (IDSP)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partnership for research and policy engagement on public health and infectious disease management in Pakistan.
• The Urban Unit, Government of PunjabmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for urban development research, data analytics, and policy advisory services for Punjab province.
• University of Central PunjabmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic collaboration for research projects, faculty exchanges, and student development programmes.
• ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional collaboration on climate change, water resources, and mountain development research in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
• Bahria UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for research collaboration, seminars, and knowledge sharing activities.
• Air University IslamabadmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration and academic exchange with Air University's faculty and students.
• Abu Dhabi UniversityregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational academic partnership for research and knowledge exchange in the Gulf region.
• Pakistan Red Crescent SocietymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanitarian and disaster response collaboration, particularly in climate-induced displacement and emergency response.
• Islamic Relief PakistanmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on humanitarian response, community resilience, and development programmes.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE): Federally chartered Pakistan-based economics research institute that conducts policy research and postgraduate training. Comparable to SDPI in mission (evidence-based policy advice to government) and anchor market (Islamabad/Islamabad Capital Territory) but focused more narrowly on economics rather than multi-thematic sustainable development.
• Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP): Pakistan-based policy research outfit partnering with leading global universities to produce development economics research for government. Direct peer to SDPI on policy advisory, evidence-based research services, and government-facing research outputs in Pakistan.

Emerging players

• Tabadlab: Pakistan-based independent, non-partisan policy think tank focused on governance, economy, and social policy. Emerging alternative to SDPI with narrower thematic scope but comparable research-to-policy translation model and Islamabad base.
• International Growth Centre (IGC): UK-DFID funded research centre providing evidence-based advice on growth and development in developing countries, with active Pakistan programme. Comparable to SDPI on policy advisory, training, and applied development economics research aimed at government decision-makers.

Regional players

• Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad: Pakistan-based policy research and advocacy think tank working on economy, governance, security, and social policy. Closely comparable to SDPI in service to Pakistani federal and provincial government with multi-thematic sustainable development focus.
• Observer Research Foundation (ORF): India-based think tank conducting policy research across economy, security, climate, and development. Comparable to SDPI in multi-thematic policy research, conference convening, and government advisory positioning within South Asia, though at much larger scale.
• Centre for Policy Research (CPR), India: India-based public policy research institution focusing on governance, urbanization, climate, and law. Comparable to SDPI on evidence-based public policy research and government advisory work in South Asia, with similar multi-disciplinary mandate.

Broad incumbents

• Brookings Institution: US-based global think tank with multi-thematic research and government advisory at scale. Comparable to SDPI on evidence-based policy research, publication portfolio, and conference convening, though operating globally rather than focused on Pakistan/South Asia.
• Chatham House: UK-based international affairs think tank with publications, convenings, and policy advisory across climate, governance, and development. Comparable to SDPI on multi-disciplinary research, high-level convening power, and government/UN engagement model.
• Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex: UK-based global institution for development research and teaching focused on reducing inequality and sustainable development. Comparable to SDPI on applied development research, capacity building/training, and donor-funded advisory services to governments across the Global South.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SDPIPakistan
• YouTubeyoutube.com/embed/ezS0ws113Pg?si=1D4eQ5zdnsImYwwU
• Facebookfacebook.com/sdpipakistan

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Sustainable Development Policy Institute