Each IDS unit has its own activities that meet with IDS mission and vision.
IDS activities and implemented projects:
• Palestine Digital Library (PDL)
An online tool through which can be sought a range of diverse references in Arabic and English relating to development in the Palestinian territories and abroad. www.palestinelibrary.ps

• Pool of researchers
The researchers affiliated to IDS have a variety of experience, background and expertise in diverse fields of development. This pool of researchers is continually revised and updated. These researchers are actively engaged in updating IDS research plan to prioritise research topics and producing research papers.

• Commissioned research
IDS conducts research for local and international institutes by Palestinian researchers who have a deep understanding of the development process.  Commissioned research projects tackled by IDS vary in the topics of research and its methodology.

• Monthly production of research papers
The institute’s research unit produces a monthly research papers on developmental topics.  These papers are published and distributed to interested bodies.

• Research methodology training
The research unit offers specialized training courses in the research field aimed at improving the research skill of researchers, data collectors and analysts.    

• Development talks
This activity constitutes a monthly discussion forum whereby a number of development practitioners, experts, and members of the community to discuss a topic with relation to the Palestinian development process.  All attendees participate in the dynamic discussion or debate that ensues, each coming up with new ideas or opinions on the topic at hand. At the end of the activity the main points of the discussion are summarized and a document of recommendations is distributed to interested parties.

• Specialized training
The community development unit offers training courses to the members of the community working in development, specializing in the different methods of linking development theory with practice. In order to provide some guidelines for practical implementation in the work being carried out on the ground, these courses examine methods and concepts of participation used in the field to engage citizens, communities, stakeholders and beneficiaries in decision- making to become active players in the development process.

• Community Projects
The community development unit identifies possible community projects based on needs assessments, which address important needs to link learning initiatives to action plans, so that a twinning effect of capacity building and active development strategies is created. The community projects initiated by the unit are focused on utilizing participatory methods to activate and enhance local intellectual power and expertise, and are directed at maximizing beneficiaries.

• Mediterranean Virtual University (MVU)
A project in which academic institutes from 11 different countries have developed online courses to be offered to students from October 2005. IDS is a partner and its material in development studies is being developed for Gazans or residents of the West Bank and of any of the 11 countries participating in MVU.

• IDS professional accredited diploma
A professional diploma offered at the Institute, specifically formatted for Palestinians working in the sector of development or for individual researchers. The diploma, entitled “Sustainable Development in Palestine”, covers diverse aspects and challenges related to development theory and practice in the region, for individuals interested or involved in the development process that require a stronger foundation for their work.