Introduction
At Dev-Connect.org (Development Economics Research Connect), we are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and accountability. Our public policy reflects our dedication to inclusivity, sustainability, and diversity as a nonprofit organization operating in Europe with a global membership.
This policy outlines the principles and practices that guide our operations, partnerships, and engagement with our members and stakeholders.
1. Legal and Compliance Framework
Dev-Connect adheres to all applicable legal frameworks, including European and international regulations. We strictly comply with standard nonprofit compliance policies, ensuring that our operations remain transparent, ethical, and lawful.
Our policies are designed to protect our members’ rights, maintain fair governance, and foster trust with all stakeholders.
2. Ethics and Transparency
Dev-Connect is built on a foundation of ethical principles and full transparency. We commit to:
- Maintaining honesty and integrity in all organizational decisions and communications.
- Providing clear, accessible information about our governance, financial practices, and activities.
- Publishing annual reports and updates on our programs, activities, and funding sources.
Transparency is central to how we operate, ensuring our members and partners are informed and engaged.
3. Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable to our members, partners, and the broader community. Our accountability practices include:
- Regularly evaluating our programs and initiatives to ensure alignment with our mission and objectives.
- Maintaining open channels of communication for feedback, questions, and concerns from members and stakeholders.
- Acting swiftly and responsibly in response to any issues or challenges raised by our community.
4. Inclusivity and Diversity
At Dev-Connect, inclusivity and diversity are integral to our mission. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of background, nationality, or identity. Our commitments include:
- Encouraging participation from underrepresented groups in our events, webinars, and activities.
- Ensuring our content and platforms are accessible to people of all abilities, including providing resources in multiple formats where possible.
- Promoting equitable opportunities for collaboration and contribution across our global network.
5. Sustainability
Dev-Connect is dedicated to promoting sustainability in its operations and initiatives. As a research-focused nonprofit, we:
Partner with organizations and individuals who share our commitment to creating a sustainable future.
Work to minimize our environmental impact by adopting sustainable practices in event planning and day-to-day operations.
Support and highlight research and policies that address sustainable development goals.
6. Partnerships and Funding Transparency
We believe in the importance of ethical and transparent relationships with our partners and funders. Dev-Connect adheres to the following principles:
We do not accept funding or sponsorships that could compromise our mission or ethical standards.
We only collaborate with organizations and individuals who align with our values of ethics, sustainability, and inclusivity.
All funding sources are disclosed in our annual reports to ensure transparency and trust.
7. Accessibility
Dev-Connect is committed to making its activities, resources, and platforms accessible to everyone. This includes:
Offering virtual and hybrid events to accommodate participants from different locations and time zones.
Ensuring our website, materials, and webinars are accessible for people with disabilities by adhering to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Continuously improving our accessibility standards based on feedback and best practices.
8. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or disclosure. Despite these measures, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure.
Dev-Connect values the privacy of its members and stakeholders. We are committed to safeguarding your data in accordance with the most rigorous data protection standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. Our data use and privacy practices include:
Purpose of Data Collection: We only collect data that is essential for the operation of our programs, including webinar registrations, membership applications, and event participation. This data is used solely for the purpose of improving our services and ensuring effective communication.
Data Security: All personal data is stored securely, and we implement strict access controls to protect it from unauthorized use or breaches.
Transparency: Members are informed about how their data is used and stored, with the option to opt out or request deletion of their data at any time.
Third-Party Sharing: We do not share personal data with third parties without explicit consent, except when required by law or as necessary to provide our services.
9. Global Scope
Although Dev-Connect operates primarily in Europe, our reach and impact are truly global. We welcome members, collaborators, and participants from all parts of the world. Our global scope is reflected in the following commitments:
Diverse Membership: Our network includes researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and professional backgrounds. We actively promote equal opportunities for participation, regardless of location or identity.
Universal Content Access: Wherever possible, our webinars, events, and resources are designed to be accessible across time zones, with recordings and materials made available for global audiences.
Compliance with Regional Laws: We respect regional legal and cultural requirements, ensuring that our activities align with local regulations and sensitivities. While GDPR forms the backbone of our data protection policy, we also strive to comply with other relevant privacy and security frameworks globally.
Cross-Border Partnerships: Dev-Connect collaborates with international organizations and institutions to enhance the global impact of development economics research.
10. Your Rights Under GDPR
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the following rights:
- Access: Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
- Rectification: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
- Erasure: Request the deletion of your personal data, subject to legal or contractual obligations.
- Restriction: Request the restriction of processing your personal data in certain circumstances.
- Data Portability: Request to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
- Objection: Object to the processing of your personal data for certain purposes, such as direct marketing.
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent at any time where processing is based on consent.
To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@dev-connect.org.
11. Third-Party Links
Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these websites. Please review their privacy policies before providing any information.
12. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We encourage you to review this page regularly for updates.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:
Email: info@dev-connect.org