A Chicago, USA and Africa-based nonprofit international education and community development institution, building African Diaspora-Continental collaborations since 2013.
Initially established in 2013 from the classroom of an American inner-city university, the Global Institute of Planning and Sustainable Development (Global Institute) is a Chicago, USA and Africa-based nonprofit international education and community development institution. Our mission is to build African Diaspora-Continental collaborations that break the cycle of generational dependency mindset and all forms of deprivation.
We do this through culturally sensitive, demand-driven education and practical hands-on training; creative, local raw material manufacturing-based entrepreneurship with global trade and investment; and technologically sound professional planning and development services. The aim is the holistic transformation of human capital and functional community development for Global Africans, while maintaining environmental sustainability.
With an initial commitment to disenfranchised minorities and Global Africans, the Institute takes hands-on applied education to communities, developing globally competitive skills for sustainable entrepreneurial initiatives. More like a practical, hands-on community development college, we work collaboratively to build strong, livable, citizen-oriented communities. The Global Institute is all about hands in, not hand out.
…Building African Diaspora-Continental Collaboration to create global career options and entrepreneurial opportunities for breaking cycles of generational dependency mindset and all forms of deprivation through demand-driven, cross-cultural education, applied research and customised training; innovative local raw material manufacturing-based entrepreneurship with global trade and investment; as well as technologically sound professional planning and development with social services to improve quality of life that achieves environmental preservation and sustainable community development, with initial commitment to Global African communities.
We respond to the paradox of Africa's rich resources amid poverty and generational dependency, and to sustainable development research results that call for immediate action to provide solutions for the people who need them most, especially the disenfranchised and their communities.
We are motivated by Africa's inability to meet the United Nations' 2015 Millennium Development Goals, and the risk of falling short of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063 targets without proactive, well-planned effort.
Above all, we are inspired by the Great Commission to "teach all nations" (Matthew 28:19), cutting across nationalities, cultures, races, genders, religions and classes; by charity, putting love into action (1 Corinthians 13:2–3); and by the call to "have compassion, making a difference" (Jude 22). Although we primarily serve developing African countries and marginalised Global Africans everywhere, our programmes are open to anyone, from anywhere.
Globalisation, imbalanced trade relations, mismatched education and a fast-growing youth population leave Global African communities facing deprivations we work to curb, including:
Applied, regional and thematic research with proof of concept before we scale.
Education, enterprise, health and planning working together for Global Africans.
Sustainable development of Global African communities, at home and in the Diaspora.
The principles that guide how we teach, trade, plan and partner with communities across Africa and the Diaspora.
Social justice for all; no discrimination; support for equality and equity for all people.
Total commitment to improving the quality of life of individuals and families, with whole-community transformation.
Charity and compassion, always with respect.
Encouragement, confidentiality of trust and superior customer service.
Integrity, ethics and transparency in everything we do.
Holistic human capital development.
Engagement of Diaspora and Continental Africans as one community.
Culturally sensitive, demand-driven, non-traditional global-standard education and academic excellence.
Technological and innovative entrepreneurship, leadership, self-determination and financial services.
Value-added manufacturing and processing of local raw materials and resources.
Globally competitive trade for African products and services.
Global collaborations and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Community-oriented planning and sustainable economic development.
The Global Institute was hatched in 2013 in the International Studies Program at Chicago State University, where students, faculty and community partners set out to connect classroom learning with practical solutions for Africa and its Diaspora. Its early Global Forums and the 2016 Global Africa Trade Forum and Vendor Fair brought together trading blocs, foreign dignitaries, elected officials and entrepreneurs.
In 2017 the Institute was first registered in Africa, with its African headquarters at the Global School of Planning and Sustainable Development in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Since then its core entrepreneurship development programme has reached about 35 African countries, and country teams now operate across West, East and Southern Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and Turkey.
Today the Institute, a 501(c)(3) charitable organisation, convenes the annual Africa Diaspora-Continental Collaborations Conference and trade-investment missions, publishes the Global Journal of Planning and Sustainable Development, and is working towards its goal of creating at least 1,000 entrepreneurs in every African country each year.
Hear directly from the Institute's President and Provost on our mission, vision and commitment to excellence in planning and sustainable development education.
Executive leaders, programme directors, country directors and partners across 20+ countries.
From Chicago, USA to Africa: national and local teams across Global African communities, connecting learners, partners and the Diaspora.
Plus country offices and teams across West, East and Southern Africa, the UK, Turkey and the Caribbean. See all our offices →
Education, enterprise, trade and planning, delivered by country teams and partners.
Credit and non-credit courses, short-term certificates and customised leadership and professional development.
Learn moreBusiness planning, skills acquisition, manufacturing studios, microfinance and one-on-one business support.
Learn moreTrade missions, the Global Trade Hub and market access through AGOA and the AfCFTA.
Learn moreCitizen-oriented comprehensive plans, project design, monitoring and evaluation, and policy advocacy.
Learn moreThe Global Institute anthem celebrates our mission across Africa and the Global World, and calls on the women and youth of Africa to arise and take their rightful place.
We are the Global Institute Of Planning and Sustainable Development We have a mission That cuts across Africa and the Global World We have a vision to be the best we can Impacting the world Implanting the glory
Arise, O Global Institute! To transform generational dependency mindset Africa is a rich continent Our Motherland Say no to all forms of deprivation Restoring the glory According the honour
So we march through the land As we take over the Education Sector Take over Entrepreneurship and Global Trade Take over Professional, Social Leadership and Gender Parity We will excel
Arise, Women for Africa Development Arise, and shine! Arise, great Youth of Africa! Arise, take your rightful place We will excel, excel, excel We will excel
Learn with us, partner with us, or join us in Mauritius for the 13th Annual Africa Diaspora-Continental Collaborations Conference.