At the interface between research and decision-making, IDDRI is an association loi de 1901 that examines sustainable development issues that require international coordination, such as climate change or the depletion of natural resources. Its research focuses on global governance, North-South relations and international negotiations.

IDDRI has three objectives: informing policy decisions; identifying emerging issues; and creating a platform for dialogue between stakeholders whose interests are often at odds - research organizations, public and private economic actors, unions and NGOs. To meet these objectives, IDDRI defines the challenges, gathers stakeholders - whatever their origin and discipline - and identifies new issues. It thus promotes a common understanding of concerns, while at the same time putting them into a global perspective.

International conferences, conference-debates, workshops and regular seminars are some of IDDRI's core activities, and are often organized with foreign partners. The members of the team are also invited for interventions in events coordinated by other organizations.

IDDRI promotes scientific research conducted in France and elsewhere, and strives to mobilize research teams to address upcoming negotiation topics, especially via the Foundation created in 2004 and by participating in international programs.

IDDRI's website, www.iddri.org, is at the center of its communications policy; it provides access to information on IDDRI's activities, publications and collections - Analyses, Idées pour le débat, Synthèses - and materials by other editors. Three times a year, La Lettre de l'Iddri provides an overview of past and future events and activities.