The MPhil Development Studies cohort of 2005-06 (MP28) gathered at IDS on 10 July 2026 to celebrate 20 years since their graduation. From reminiscing about their student years to catching up about life after IDS, it was a joyful reunion. Furthermore, the group explored their varied career paths and the current state of global development in the panel discussion, International cooperation amid geopolitical rupture.

Our MP28 alumni were grateful to have been brought together and to have had the chance to share their experience with students and other alumni.

Watch now: International cooperation amid geopolitical rupture

Speakers

• Sarah Coll-Black, Senior Economist, World Bank;
• Nick Benequista, Senior Director of Applied Research, National Endowment for Democracy;
• Anne Valand, Head of Program, WFP Lebanon ;
• Hisae Kato, Teaching Fellow in Development Studies, SOAS University of London;
• Patricia Romero-Abreu Kaup, Independent Consultant.

Chair

• Santiago Ripoll, IDS Research Fellow.

Read more:

International cooperation amid geopolitical rupture

If you would like to organise a reunion with your classmates, please contact the Alumni Office: alumni@ids.ac.uk