Coordinated by the World Bank, the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) is a partnership of recognized global institutions (Affiliates) networked in over 80 countries that collaborates in the design of customized learning solutions for individuals and organizations working in development. Collectively, Affiliates put on 1000+ learning sessions a year that range from training courses and informal brainstorming sessions to multi-country dialogues and virtual conferences. GDLN learning specialists in these organizations collaborate in designing customized learning solutions for clients. Its Global Network offers advanced information and communication technologies connecting people working in development worldwide.

By applying tools and services developed in the field of distance learning, GDLN Affiliates enable universities, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities and all other clients interested in knowledge sharing, to communicate without boundaries and learn from each other’s experiences. GDLN's services range from designing and organizing formal training courses to multi-country, multi-cultural dialogues and “virtual” conferences, using effective blends of face-to-face and distance learning approaches.