Knowledge Management for Development (KM4Dev) is a global, open, volunteer-driven community of practice that connects practitioners, researchers, and facilitators exploring how knowledge and learning can improve international development and humanitarian action.
Founded in the early 2000s, KM4Dev has grown into the longest-running global network dedicated to knowledge management in development – bringing together thousands of professionals who exchange experiences, reflect on practice, and co-create new insights that strengthen impact across the sector.
What makes KM4Dev unique
KM4Dev occupies a distinct and enduring niche: it is the only global community that unites people working on knowledge management across international development and humanitarian action. At its heart, KM4Dev explores how organizations and networks generate, share, and apply knowledge to achieve better outcomes β through approaches such as knowledge sharing, learning systems, and communities of practice. Over its 25 years, KM4Dev has remained a living laboratory for collaborative learning and innovation. Several features make it stand out:
π§©Radical self-organization
A volunteer-driven collective enabling decentralized action and shared leadership.
πBridging research & practice
Linking researchers and practitioners to turn knowledge into practical learning.
πOpenness &
diversity
Uniting varied voices and regions, with inclusivity as a guiding community value.
π€Human connection first
Relationships ground the community through meetups, dialogue, and collaboration.
πAdaptability & innovation
Evolving with new tools and formats to keep learning active, relevant, and fresh.
βοΈChallenging power & privilege
Creating space to question power, centre equity, and support fair knowledge practices.
Learn how KM4Dev is organized and sustained
Explore how KM4Dev connects and collaborates
π 25 years of KM4Dev
In 2025, we celebrate 25 years of KM4Dev – a milestone in collective learning and community stewardship.
Partners
KM4Dev has been made possible not only by the energy and commitment of its volunteer community, but also through the generous support of several organizations over the years. Their contributions have helped sustain facilitation, technical infrastructure, and inclusive participation across regions.