The Global Donor Platform for Rural Development (GDPRD) was created in December 2003 from an emerging consensus among donors that collective action in rural development is required to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The 25 members of the GDPRD are committed to contribute to the MDGs through improved donor cooperation, collaboration and coordinated dialogue with partner countries for pro-poor growth in rural areas in the developing world, on the basis of locally-owned processes.

These donors have set themselves three main tasks:

1. Advocacy:
To contribute to policy debates and highlight the role of rural development and agriculture in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, speaking with one voice to the needs and opportunities of the rural poor at international, regional and national levels.

2. Shared learning:
To enhance the quality and impact of rural development investments through shared learning, innovation and better practice.

3. Aid harmonisation:
To provide joint support to the harmonisation of procedures and practices in rural development in line with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness of March, 2005.