Thematic Areas 1/Economic Cluster of Policy Study & Research

It involves demand driven and problem-solving policy studies and applied research on key development issues affecting regional and local economies. It focuses on areas such as macroeconomic policy, urban economy, municipal finance, industrial development, MSMEs, employment, agribusiness, trade, investment, infrastructure, green economy, and public finance. The cluster aims to generate practical, evidence-based policy recommendations that support inclusive growth, job creation, institutional reform, and sustainable development. 2/Social and Governance Cluster of Policy Study and Research The Social Cluster of Policy Study and Research focuses on generating evidence-based knowledge, policy analysis, and practical recommendations on major social development issues affecting communities, institutions, and public service systems. The cluster examines the social dimensions of development with particular emphasis on human well-being, social inclusion, equity, service delivery, and community resilience. Major Thematic Areas the Social Cluster may focus on the following thematic areas:

·       Education and Human Capital Development

·       Public Health and Social Well-being

·       Gender, Youth, and Social Inclusion

·       Children, Elderly, and Vulnerable Groups

·       Social Protection and Poverty Reduction

·       Migration, Displacement, and Urban Social Change

·       Culture, Identity, and Social Cohesion

·       Community Development and Civic Participation

·       Labor, Livelihoods, and Social Mobility

·       Justice, Equity, and Social Policy

·       Urbanization and Social Transformation

·       Governance, Service Delivery, and Institutional Responsiveness

The Human and Institutional Capacity Building thematic area focuses on strengthening the knowledge, skills, systems, structures, and performance of public institutions, communities, and human resources to improve governance, service delivery, and sustainable development outcomes. It emphasizes building capable institutions and competent personnel that can effectively respond to emerging development challenges.

Key Thematic Areas

·       Public Sector Capacity Development

·       Human Resource Development

·       Cross-Cutting Themes (Gender and social inclusion, Youth empowerment

·       Good governance and accountability

·       Digital transformation

·       Conflict sensitivity and resilience

·       Evidence-based decision making

·       Sustainability and institutional learning

·       Leadership and Governance Capacity