Development Education is an active learning process which enables people to understand the links between their own lives and those of other people throughout the world. Development Education activities aim to increase understanding of the economic, social, political and environmental forces which shape our lives, and examine issues on a local, national and international level.

Development Education activities begin with young people themselves and are designed to stimulate and involve people as active participants in the learning process. Examples include group exercises that encourage skills such as teamwork, negotiation and debate, and role plays where participants are encouraged to empathise and take on the role of a designated person or interest group.