GDF envisions contributing to the enrichment of human lives in the social, cultural, economic and environmental spheres. Whether micro or macro-level activities, either at the grassroots, or the institutional levels, GDF emphasizes the optimum use of available resources.  

Its cross-national and cross-cultural experience, enables it to design and implement appropriate practices and actions within the specifically Middle Eastern social, cultural and institutional contexts. To, this end, specific means are applied, based on GDF's comparative advantages. 

GDF sees itself as an effective integral intermediary, maximizing available resources while maintaining key linkages within the wider spectrum of the task environment. It renders high quality expertise, for low-cost operations within the context of scarce domestic and foreign financial resources. 

GDF operates on the maxim of "pulling in" resources, i.e. contracting experts and consultants from different venues as needed rather than expanding the size of its permanent employed staff. Thus, GDF's focus is not on size but rather on impact. 

It emphasizes empowerment through raising social awareness, self-reliance and institutional strengthening.  

GDF envisages the establishment of a strong link between development efforts at the micro-level and advocacy at the medium- and macro-levels in order to create mutually supportive activities. It applies a multitude of approaches and methodologies that are considered as the most suitable and appropriate for a given task. However, specific underlying principles form part of any project; thus, GDF considers aspects of the participatory approach for the planning of projects (incl. Participatory Action Research [PAR] and Rapid Assessment Procedures [RAP] - where applicable). PAR in particular may play an important role in the context of economic restructuring and diminishing state intervention; due to its participatory focus it may facilitate the transfer of responsibility for essential services from the public to the private sector.  

Furthermore, GDF values sustainability. Any task, project or measure can only be successful, if sustainability can be guaranteed.