The Initiative for Global Development (IGD) is an alliance of business leaders that champions effective solutions to global poverty.

Founded in Seattle in 2003 by Bill Gates Sr., Dan Evans, Bill Ruckelshaus, Bill Clapp and John Shalikashvili, the organization has grown to an influential network of  business leaders sharing a common vision of ending global poverty. Partners are regional and national opinion leaders, the majority of whom are current CEOs or senior executives of leading corporations.

Global poverty is at the root of many of the world’s greatest challenges and IGD believes that dramatically reducing it is one of the most powerful steps we can take in creating a better future. Addressing the inequity of a world where almost half the population lives in poverty is a critical factor in ensuring the future prosperity and security of us all.

IGD supports U.S. development policies that create an environment where private enterprise can thrive and works with business leaders in developing countries to increase growth and investment that reduces poverty.