Core Ambition
The Global Development Forum acts as a decisive hub where academic brilliance meets global governance. As funding for aid diminishes amid rising volatility, the contributions of motivated scholars are increasingly vital. We equip emerging thinkers to navigate the intricacies of international cooperation and influence how governments, public bodies, and development organisations solve pressing crises. By linking theoretical study with practical application, we support the creation of evidence-based strategies that drive sustainable change across the globe.
Global Impact
With official aid shrinking by 7% in 2024 and further declines expected throughout 2025, the world faces a significant resource deficit. This fiscal retreat by major powers places immense pressure on vulnerable regions, necessitating smarter, data-driven approaches. Through our digital publications, audio series, and detailed policy analysis, the Global Development Forum offers a professional stage for students to support governments, public bodies, and development organisations in closing these critical gaps.
Founder Profile
Adam Northcott
Founder, Global Development Forum
Adam Northcott is a War Studies & History student at King’s College London, where his research examines the intersection of geopolitical risk, security frameworks, and institutional stability on global markets. In addition to establishing the Global Development Forum, Adam has cultivated a robust background in strategic risk and financial management.
He directed the financial operations for the KCL Politics Society as Treasurer, where he oversaw budget allocation, forecasting, and rigorous cost control measures. His experience also includes supporting treasury functions for the KCL Real Estate and Property Society and participating in asset management intensives at Goldman Sachs.Adam’s professional background extends to crisis resolution and commercial dispute management, where he specialized in designing risk mitigation strategies and distilling intricate financial data into actionable intelligence for stakeholders.
He holds a deep interest in how shifting political landscapes influence global capital flows and investment strategy. With the Global Development Forum, he synthesizes his expertise in geopolitical forecasting and financial logic to lead a platform where emerging research is presented with the professional rigor of a premier global think tank.
FOUNDER PROFILE
Mykyta Chursin
Founding Engineer, Global Development Forum
Mykyta Chursin is the Founding Engineer of the Forum, leading its technical infrastructure and helping build core features such as the political internships tracker. He ensures the platform effectively bridges complex research data with accessible policy insight, supporting the mission to make student-led work in international development more impactful and widely accessible.
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He is currently a student at the University of Southampton, pursuing a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Computer Science with Cyber Security. Alongside his academic work, he serves as Lead Data Engineer within the university Artificial Intelligence Society, where he works on data-driven and technical projects.
Mykyta has also demonstrated strong practical ability, recently contributing to a team that won the Best Use of Solana subtrack at SotonHack.
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Originally from Ukraine, he relocated in 2022 and brings a global perspective and resilience to his work, contributing to the Forum focus on international development and real-world impact.
Founder Profile
Alessio Castagnacci
Treasurer, Global Development Forum
Alessio Castagnacci serves as Treasurer of the Global Development Forum, where he leads financial strategy, governance, and resource allocation. He ensures transparency and financial integrity across the organisation, supporting its mission to bridge academia with global development policy through sustainable and well-managed operations.
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He is currently a student at the University of Bath, pursuing a BSc in Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science. Alongside his academic work, he has gained practical experience in finance through roles spanning private equity, investment analysis, and financial operations.
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Alessio has demonstrated strong technical and analytical ability through his Spring Internship at Quadrivio Group, where he built fund-level IRR models, streamlined cash flow tracking across multiple funds, and analysed live investment materials. He also excelled in the AmplifyME Finance Bootcamp, ranking Top 3 in LBO and M&A modelling simulations and Top 2 in market making, while winning Best IPO Roadshow Presentation.
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He has further applied his skills as an Investment Analyst at SOBIC, where he developed and presented a full equity research pitch, and as Financial Officer at LC Aviation. His work reflects a strong interest in valuation, deal analysis, and financial strategy, supporting the Forum’s focus on impactful, student-led initiatives.
Future Goal
Over time, we aim to grow into a student‑led consulting organisation, supporting governments.
Over time, we aim to grow into a student‑led consulting organisation, supporting governments, public bodies and socially responsible businesses with research‑driven insights.
Strategic Growth
Over time, we aim to grow into a student‑led consulting organisation, supporting governments, public bodies and socially responsible businesses with research‑driven insights on international development.
Consulting Aim
Over time, we aim to grow into a student‑led consulting organisation, supporting governments, public bodies and socially responsible businesses with research‑driven insights on international development.
Political Internships Tracker
The Global Development Forum is committed to empowering the next generation of policy leaders. We actively highlight and track strategic internship opportunities across the political landscape, ensuring that students can find the practical experience necessary to influence global development frameworks.
UK Parliament & Government
Monitoring placements within the House of Commons, House of Lords, and civil service departments. We provide updates on select committee research roles and ministerial assistant positions.
International Institutions & IOs
Tracking entry-level opportunities at the United Nations, World Bank, WTO, and OECD. Our tracker focuses on policy analyst pathways and international cooperation initiatives.
Think Tanks & Advocacy
Highlighting researcher and advocacy internships at leading policy institutes and NGOS. We curate roles that offer direct involvement in evidence-based development strategy.
Collaborate with Us
We invite students, academics, and practitioners to collaborate with the Global Development Forum. Join our student-led mission to bridge the gap between academic inquiry and real-world policy; whether through research submissions or strategic partnerships, we value your expertise.