The Institute of Global Development (IGD) was officially launched at Zhejiang University on March 15, aiming to support the implementation of the Global Development Initiative and strengthen international cooperation on sustainable development.

Officials from ministries of commerce, education, and foreign affairs, along with representatives from the Zhejiang provincial government, attended the launch ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said the move represents China's contributions to the Global Development Initiative and is a proactive effort to advance the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Wang added that the Ministry of Commerce would work with all parties to support the IGD's development and operation to build it into a world-class platform for academic research and capacity building, an international dialogue platform linking government, industry, academia, and research, and a high-level platform for talent cultivation.

Amakobe Sande, UNICEF Representative to China, also addressed the ceremony. She noted that development progress does not happen by chance, but stems from long-term strategies, sustained investment, and robust systems in health, education, and social protection.

"This is why platforms, such as the institute being launched today, matter," she said. "They can help translate this development experience into shared knowledge, South–South Cooperation, and practical solutions for countries seeking to accelerate progress toward the SDGs."

Huang Xianhai, dean of the new institute, said: "We will rely on Zhejiang University's first-level disciplines of applied economics and public administration to carry out degree education, providing long-term and strategic talent support for global sustainable development."

He added that the IGD has already launched a global admissions program for degree education, with the first cohort of doctoral students scheduled to enroll in September 2026.