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Payson Center for International Development

Sustainable human development, defined by the Brundtland Commission as "development that meets the needs of this generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs," is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on economics, environment, sociology, political science, anthropology, public health and many other academic fields.

The Payson Center was initiated on the belief that sustainable human development involves improving the quality of people's lives by expanding their ability to shape their own futures. While this generally calls for higher per-capita income via economic growth and development, it requires much more. Achieving sustainable human development often requires more equitable education and job opportunities, greater gender equality, better health and nutrition, a cleaner and more sustainable natural environment, more impartial judicial and legal systems, and broader civil and political freedoms.

Business executive and Tulane Board Member Martin Payson provided seed money to support the first few years of the Centerís operations, and additional startup capital was secured through a disaster management and humanitarian assistance contract with the US Southern Defense Command. Since its inception, the Center has administered 34 projects in 25 countries, with a combined project budget of over $52 million.

It was founded in 1998 by Drs. William Bertrand and Eamon Kelly to research the role of information communication technologies in sustainable human development. It approaches sustainable human development as a field of inquiry built on the constant interaction between theory, innovation, research, implementation and evaluation.

For nearly two decades, Tulane's international commitment has been a principal focus of former university president Dr. Eamon M. Kelly and university vice-president Dr. William E. Bertrand. This focus continues through the establishment of the Payson Center Dr. Kelly is the Executive Director of the Payson Center and served as a former Chairman of the National Science Board. Dr. Bertrand is the former Director of the Payson Center and served on the Infectious Disease Advisory Board of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Drs. Kelly and Bertrand are both full professors and hold endowed chairs at the University.

Their extensive experience has confirmed for Drs. Kelly and Bertrand the importance of scientific advancements and the technological tools they generate as the driving force behind globalization. With new technologies guiding the development field, the future economic survival of peoples and nations will depend upon the number of individuals equipped with the skills and competencies necessary for furthering social and economic development.