About the World Development Movement

Who we are

The World Development Movement (WDM) is a UK-based anti-poverty campaigning organisation. We have a worldwide reputation for tackling hard-hitting, controversial issues.

Our vision

We believe a fairer world is possible if together we take action. Just as campaigners stopped the transatlantic slave trade and won women the vote, we can end global inequality. 

The World Development Movement is one of the most dynamic and successful NGOs I have known. I salute WDM!" - John Pilger, journalist

Our goal

We seek to establish economic justice. For us this means the right of poor communities to determine their own path out of poverty, and an end to harmful policies which put profit before people and the environment.

What we do

We lobby decision-makers, organise public campaigning and produce robust research to win change for the world's poorest people. We investigate, expose and challenge government policies and corporate actions that harm vulnerable communities and trap people in poverty.

Why we are unique

We are small, but we get big results by using a variety of campaigning tactics. We do not give aid, and we do not run projects; we work alongside activists in the global south to research and promote positive solutions to poverty.

We are the only UK-based anti-poverty campaigning organisation with a network of groups taking collective action at a local level.

Find out more about our campaign successes, read our annual review, or find out more about how we are run.

Get involved

Sign up to our mailing list, take action, join us or make a donation today.