Development research has been the core of CMI since the 1960s and a priority area for the University of Bergen since they established Centre for Development Studies (CDS) in 1986. CMI and the University of Bergen have always cooperated and shared the vision of  Bergen as an international hub for development studies. Where are we now? What are the challenges ahead and plans for the future of international development studies in Bergen?

Gunnar M. Sørbø was the first Director for CDS, and he was Director for CMI from 1994-2010. In honour of his lifelong dedication and contributions to development research in Bergen and in Norway, we have invited the directors of CMI and CiH, Ottar Mæstad and Bente Elisabeth Moen for a conversation on the future of international development studies, and asked them to present their visions and plans for the future. We have also invited the Director for Centre for Development and the Environment, Sidsel Roalkvam at the University of Oslo to comment and share how the University of Oslo sees the future of international development studies. Gunnar M. Sørbø will of course also participate.

Welcome.