CIDEC was founded in 2010 to contribute to resolving global poverty issues through education, research and practice. Since its establishment, CIDEC has sought to serve as a hub that brings together various development-relevant resources of Kyung Hee University, as well as development experts and activists both from home and abroad. It is also committed to improving social understanding on development cooperation and carrying out specialized academic research.

CIDEC focuses on the infinite possibilities and dynamics innate in 'development' and 'cooperation'.
There are various perspectives on the concept of 'development': some regard development as involving improved socioeconomic indices, some as reformation of the structural constraints that cause poverty to persist, and some as an extension of individuals' freedom. However, if we define development in just one or two ways and take it as axiomatic, like a formula in science, we might miss out on its limitless potential and dynamism. The agents of 'cooperation' vary, from nation states to international organizations, corporations, civil society organizations and even individuals. The results of international development cooperation depend on the ways in which different kinds of agents cooperate for different purposes in regard to development.

CIDEC is continuously questioning and exploring these infinite possibilities and dynamics. Both in the educational field and in the livelihoods of developing countries, CIDEC is seeking to identify a better way through practice. CIDEC has a strong commitment to becoming an agent of development cooperation. Its task-performing experience and capacity as an implementing agency of the Social Science Korea (SSK) project of the National Research Foundation of Korea serve as a firm basis upon which it can continue to progress. We look forward to your kind support and encouragement.