If you want to start a career in international development cooperation it will be helpful for you to know what the following terms mean in the context of global development work. In that sense the list is a starting point for you to research a bit deeper on your own.

Agriculture

The production of food, fiber, and other goods through farming, ranching, and related activities, which is a major source of livelihoods in many developing countries.

Aid effectiveness

Ensuring that development assistance is delivered in a way that maximizes its impact and contributes to the achievement of development goals.

Important source: Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, which beyond its principles on effective aid lays out a practical, action-oriented roadmap to improve the quality of aid and its impact on development by 2010. It puts in place a series of specific implementation measures and establishes an international monitoring system to ensure that donors and recipients hold each other accountable for their commitments – a feature that is unique among international agreements.

Biodiversity

The variety of plant and animal life in the world, which is important for the sustainability of ecosystems and the provision of goods and services to people.

Capacity building

Improving the skills and knowledge of individuals and institutions in developing countries, so that they are better able to address development challenges and take advantage of opportunities.

Climate change

A change in the Earth’s climate, caused by human activity or natural processes, which can have significant impacts on development, including through the increased frequency and severity of natural disasters.

Important source: The UNFCCC, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, established by an international environmental treaty to combat “dangerous human interference with the climate system”, in part by stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is held by the people, typically through elected representatives, and which is seen as an important factor in ensuring good governance and development.

Disaster risk reduction

Measures taken to reduce the likelihood and impact of natural disasters, which can have significant negative impacts on development.

Economic growth

Increase in a country’s production of goods and services, which can contribute to poverty reduction and improved living standards.

Education

Access to quality education and learning opportunities, which can contribute to the development of human capital and increased economic productivity.

Employment

Opportunities for paid work and income generation, which can contribute to poverty reduction and improved living standards.

Energy

The production, distribution, and use of power and electricity, which is essential for supporting economic growth and development.

Environmental protection

Measures taken to preserve the natural environment and the ecological systems that support human well-being, which are essential for sustainable development.

Financial inclusion

Ensuring that all members of society have access to financial services, such as banking, insurance, and credit, which can facilitate economic development and poverty reduction.

Gender equality

Equal rights and opportunities for men and women, which are seen as essential for achieving sustainable development and promoting social justice.

Good governance

Transparent, accountable, and participatory decision-making processes, which are seen as important for promoting development and preventing corruption.

Health care

Access to quality medical treatment and services, which is essential for improving health outcomes and supporting economic productivity.

Health systems

The organization and delivery of healthcare services, which is essential for improving health outcomes and supporting economic productivity.

Housing

Adequate and affordable housing for all, which is seen as an important factor in promoting social inclusion and well-being.

Human development

Development that expands people’s freedoms and opportunities, and enables them to lead lives that they value and have reason to value.

Human rights

Inalienable rights to which all people are entitled, including rights to life, liberty, and security, which are seen as essential for promoting human development and well-being.

Humanitarian assistance

Immediate aid given to people affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other crises, which can help to save lives and alleviate suffering.

Innovation

The introduction of new ideas, products, or processes, which can contribute to economic growth and development.

Infrastructure

Basic facilities and systems, such as roads, bridges, and utilities, that support economic and social development, and are seen as important for promoting economic growth and improving living standards.

Investment

The allocation of capital to finance projects and businesses, which can contribute to economic growth and development.

Microfinance

Financial services, such as loans, savings, and insurance, for poor and low-income people, which can help to reduce poverty and increase economic productivity.

Natural resource management

The responsible use and conservation of natural resources, such as land, water, and forests, which are essential for sustainable development.

Peacebuilding

Efforts to prevent, mitigate, and resolve conflicts, which can have significant negative impacts on development.

Poverty reduction

Efforts to decrease the number of people living in poverty, which is a key development goal and requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of poverty.

Private sector development

Efforts to support the growth and development of the private sector, which is seen as an important driver of economic growth and development.

Public-private partnerships

Collaborations between the public and private sectors to achieve shared goals, which can leverage the strengths and resources of both sectors to promote development.

Remittances

Money sent by migrant workers to their families in their home countries, which can contribute to poverty reduction and economic development in recipient countries.

Rule of law

A system of laws and regulations that are fair, just, and consistently enforced, which is seen as important for promoting development and preventing corruption.

Social inclusion

Ensuring that all members of society are able to participate fully, regardless of their background or circumstances, which is seen as important for promoting social justice and reducing inequality.

Social protection

Programs and policies that protect people from poverty and social exclusion, and provide a safety net for those in need, which can contribute to poverty reduction and social stability.

South-South cooperation

Cooperation between countries in the global South to share knowledge and resources, which can help to promote development and reduce reliance on traditional donor countries.

Sustainable development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, which requires a balance between economic, social, and environmental considerations.

Technology transfer

The transfer of knowledge, skills, and technologies from one place to another, which can help to promote economic growth and development.

Trade

The exchange of goods and services between countries, which can contribute to economic growth and development.

Triangular cooperation

Collaboration between traditional donor countries, emerging donors, and recipient countries to share knowledge and resources, which can help to promote development and South-South cooperation.

Water and sanitation

Access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities, which is essential for improving health outcomes and supporting economic productivity.