NSI’s research program concentrates on three key areas:

Finance, Debt and Development Assistance
Burdensome debt, inadequate financing for development, marginalization of the poorest countries, volatile international financial markets - all have created tremendous hardship for the citizens of the developing world. NSI research projects promote economic alternatives to transform financial structures that have historically excluded developing countries. From renewing the International Financial Institutions, to increasing development assistance, to examining the results of debt-reduction initiatives and the value of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers, The North-South Institute seeks a greater voice and increased fairness for developing nations.

Trade, Labour, and Migration
Globalization is having a wide-range of effects – positive and negative – on different peoples and regions. Institute researchers are assessing the impact of globalization on poverty by studying: the economic and social dimensions of migration and labour mobility; the implications of trade agreements for health services and gender equality; and the impact of trade on women. Such assessments are needed to identify policies which ensure that trade and investment improve the lives of poor people.

Governance, Civil Society and Conflict Prevention
Strengthening democracy demands analysis to determine which policies work to prevent conflict, build community, and improve governance structures. Research in this area focuses on issues ranging from our ability and willingness to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, to the relationships between the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organization. Sustainable peace-building and the rights of Indigenous Peoples are also key areas of NSI policy research.