Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS)
Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), a New Delhi based autonomous think-tank under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, is an organization that specializes in policy research on international economic issues and development cooperation. RIS is envisioned as a forum for fostering effective policy dialogue and capacity-building among developing countries on international economic issues. The focus of the work programme of RIS is to promote South- South Cooperation and assist developing countries in multilateral negotiations in various forums. RIS is engaged in the Track II process of several regional initiatives. RIS is providing analytical support to the Government of India in the negotiations for concluding comprehensive economic cooperation agreements with partner countries. Through its intensive network of policy think tanks, RIS seeks to strengthen policy coherence on international economic issues.
More information available at: www.ris.org.in
Chinese Agriculture University (CAU)
China Agricultural University (CAU), directly subordinated to the Ministry of Education, is one of the top ranked key national universities in China. CAU President is appointed by the Central Government.
As the oldest agricultural higher education institution in China, CAU’s history can be dated back to October 1905, when the College of Agriculture was founded by the Qing Dynasty in the Jing Shi Da Xue Tang (the former Imperial University of Peking and the present Peking University).
When the People’s Republic was established in 1949, Beijing Agricultural University (BAU) was founded by merging of three colleges of agriculture, namely College of Agriculture of Peking University, College of Agriculture of Tsinghua University and College of Agriculture of North China University. Beijing Agricultural Mechanization College (BAMC) was established in 1952 by joining together BAU’s Department of Agricultural Machinery, North China Agricultural Machinery College and the Ministry of Agriculture’s Tractor School. BAMC was renamed Beijing Agricultural Engineering University (BAEU) in 1985. Finally in 1995, China Agricultural University was formed by merging BAU and BAEU. The former Chinese President JIANG Zemin penned CAU’s name in Chinese calligraphy.
CAU's Centennial Celebration and World Agriculture Congress were grandly opened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 16 September 2005. The World University Presidential Forum as the main component of the Congress was also opened on the same day. More than 300 delegates of 128 universities, colleges and institutes from 24 countries actively participated in the event, marking it a milestone in CAU’s history.
More information available at: english.cau.edu.cn/index.html
South Africa Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)
The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is South Africa’s premier research institute on international issues. As an independent, non-government think tank, we have a long and proud history of providing thought leadership in Africa. We are both a centre for research excellence and a home for stimulating public discussion.
Our work spans social development, foreign policy, governance, the environment, and economic policy, linking local experiences with global debates. This body of African-generated knowledge provides local and regional decision-makers with independent, evidence-based options for Africa’s future development.
All our findings are made available freely in the form of publications, policy briefs, videos, articles, workshops and conferences. We provide an open platform for the public to engage with these issues, and facilitate discussions between a wide variety of stakeholders. Our public outreach activities inspire students to take an interest in international affairs, and help develop their research and leadership skills.
More information available at: www.saiia.org.za
The Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA)
The Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA) is a federal public foundation linked to the Secretariat of Strategic Affairs of the Presidency of the Republic (SAE/PR). It provides technical and institutional support to government actions – enabling the formulation and reformulation of public policies and Brazilian development programs. Its work is made available to society through numerous regular publications and seminars. IPEA’s mission is to “enhance public policies that are essential to Brazilian development by producing and disseminating knowledge and by advising the state in its strategic decisions.” Its structure is divided into departments dedicated to different studies and policies. Ipea is headquartered in Brasilia and has a representation office in Rio de Janeiro.
“Ipea is the coordinating institution in Brazil of the BRICS Think Tank Council and the BRICS Academic Forum, which takes place yearly before the BRICS Leaders’ Summit.
In the “2014 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report” Ipea was top ranked at the following categories: Top Think Tanks in Central and South America; Best Government Affiliated Think Tanks.
More information available at: www.ipea.gov.br