SDPI was founded in August 1992 on the recommendation of the Pakistan National Conservation Strategy (NCS), also called Pakistan’s Agenda 21. The NCS placed Pakistan’s socio-economic development within the context of a national environmental plan. This highly acclaimed document, approved by the Federal Cabinet in March 1992, outlined the need for an independent non-profit organization to serve as a source of expertise for policy analysis and development, policy intervention, and policy and program advisory services. SDPI is registered under the Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860.

Mandate To:
Conduct policy advice, policy oriented research and advocacy from a broad multi-disciplinary perspective.
Promote the implementation of policies, programs, laws and regulations based on sustainable development.
Strengthen civil society and facilitate civil society-government interaction through collaboration with other organizations and activist networks.
Disseminate research findings and public education through the media, conferences, seminars, lectures, publications and curricula development.
Contribute to building up national research capacity and infrastructure.
 

Goals:
These goals reflect the main axes of our work; the means through which we effect change. To
catalyze the transition towards sustainable and just development in Pakistan.
serve as a source of expertise and advisory services for the government, private sector, and non-governmental initiatives supporting the implementation of Pakistan''s environment and development agenda.
conduct policy-oriented research on sustainable development from a broad multi-disciplinary perspective.
provide policy advice on matters relating to the mission of the Institute.
contribute to strengthening the social and physical infrastructure for research in Pakistan.
initiate, establish and participate in collaborative advocacy and other activities with like-minded organizations in and outside the country.