Happy 22nd Anniversary PEP!

On October 1st, 2024, we proudly celebrate 22 years of PEP’s mission to empower local researchers, shape policy solutions, and promote sustainable development across the Global South. This milestone is not only reflected in statistics but also in the lives transformed, the policies reformed, and the communities strengthened.

Over the past two decades, PEP has become a key force in transforming development research, empowering local voices to address the Global South's complex challenges. Our work spans 66 countries, supporting over 400 research projects, and training thousands of researchers to turn data into impactful, evidence-based policy solutions. This legacy of building local capacity continues to shape inclusive growth and development discussions globally.

In 2023, PEP made remarkable strides in advancing gender-sensitive, locally-driven research, affirming that local researchers are well-positioned to conduct policy-relevant studies grounded in their communities. As major programs concluded, their findings are poised to impact vulnerable populations, particularly women in the Global South, by addressing critical issues like gender inequality, climate change, and inclusive recovery from crises. Thanks to the ongoing support from our global donors and partners, PEP fosters sustainable development and gender equality. Learn more about PEP's 2023 milestones in our annual report.

Through national events, media campaigns, and policy conferences, PEP has shown how local evidence shapes national debates and informs inclusive growth strategies across the Global South, reinforcing our mission to promote evidence-based policymaking.

At the heart of PEP’s progress over the past eight years is the visionary leadership of Professor Jane Mariara, who has served as PEP's Executive Director. Under her stewardship, PEP has achieved remarkable milestones, including:

• Diversifying PEP’s Programming: We have broadened our thematic focus areas to address critical issues like gender equity, youth employment, and climate resilience while attracting new funders and partners to support these initiatives.
• Innovating our Approach to Policy Research: PEP has integrated gender analysis into its core research framework, ensuring inclusivity in policy development. By embracing research co-production, PEP ensures direct collaboration between policymakers and researchers, making research more practical and policy-driven.
• Empowering Emerging Researchers: Through initiatives like the PEP Research Fellow Program and new online courses, we continue to nurture the next generation of researchers, offering them valuable resources and training to contribute to high-impact research.
• Advocating for Local Leadership: PEP continues to amplify local voices in international development debates through initiatives like the “Call to Action”, which promotes the importance of locally-led development strategies.

"PEP's success is the result of precious collaborations that make us more than the sum of our parts. I take this opportunity to sincerely thank our funding partners, collaborating and partner institutions, as well as the PEP Board of Directors, our mentors, management and staff, and all our researchers for their dedication and support," said Prof. Mariara

As we mark these anniversaries, PEP reflects on these advancements while remaining committed to empowering communities, fostering inclusive research, and driving policies that promote equitable growth and sustainable development.

This anniversary is more than a celebration of the past—it’s a call to action for the future. We invite you to explore the stories, research, and partnerships that continue to shape our mission.

Discover PEP’s Mission and Impact

Learn more in our video About PEP

Mission & Vision

Our Approach

Our Impact

Promoting local leadership

Let’s continue to build on this foundation, uplifting communities and driving policies that promote equitable development!