VoDI
Forums & roundtables
Diplomacy
A convening space for dialogue and collaboration: diplomatic forums, roundtables, policy dialogues and Track II initiatives.
Evidence for the decisions that shape cooperation
The VoDI Research & Policy Institute produces policy research and analysis, publications and briefs, and strategic advisory for governments, institutions and partners.
What we produce
Research and policy services
- 01
Policy research & analysis
Independent, policy-oriented research on global and regional questions, grounded in evidence rather than position.
- 02
Publications & policy briefs
Full-length papers and short, decision-ready briefs written for the people who have to act on them.
- 03
Strategic advisory
Tailored analysis and policy innovation support for institutions, ministries and partners.
Focus
Publications & briefsOur research areas
States & institutions
International Relations
How states, multilateral bodies and international institutions deal with one another, and what that means for the Horn of Africa.
Partnership & delivery
Global Cooperation & Development
Cooperation between governments, development institutions and the private sector, and whether it reaches the people it is meant to.
Policy & representation
Foreign Affairs
The conduct of foreign policy: recognition, representation, bilateral relations and the machinery through which a state is heard abroad.
Cooperation & connectivity
Aviation & Air Transport
Advancing aviation cooperation, connectivity and diplomatic engagement: an emerging field where policy, industry and diplomacy meet.
Dialogue & cooperation
Climate & Energy
Promoting dialogue, knowledge and cooperation on climate and energy issues across the region and beyond.
Research & strategic knowledge
Policy Analysis & Public Policy
Producing research, policy ideas and strategic knowledge for decision-makers: the research and think-tank arm of VoDI.
Transition & infrastructure
E-Mobility & Transport
Electrified transport and the infrastructure, regulation and investment a shift to it depends on.
Method
How a piece of research travels
- 01QuestionA policy question is identified with partners, practitioners or from our own programme of work.
- 02EvidenceDesk research, data analysis and consultation with diplomats, officials and subject experts.
- 03DialogueFindings are tested in roundtables and Track II settings before publication.
- 04PublicationA paper or brief is published openly, with recommendations written for decision-makers.
- 05UptakeResults feed into training at the Academy, forum agendas and advisory engagements.
Commission
Research and advisory for partners
Commissioned research
Independent studies and policy analysis carried out for ministries, institutions and development partners, under clear terms of reference.
- Scoping and terms of reference
- Independent research team
- Published or confidential delivery
Advisory engagements
Ongoing strategic advice on policy design, negotiation preparation and institutional development.
- Policy design and options papers
- Negotiation and delegation support
- Institutional strategy
Commission research or request advisory support
Tell us the policy question you are working on and we will come back with a scope, a team and a timeline.