In June 1995, the Center for Social Development ("CSD") was established in Phnom Penh, Cambodia as a non-profit, non-governmental organization. CSD seeks to promote democratic values and improve the quality of life of the Cambodian people through training, seminars, research, publication, broadcasting, partnership with other like-minded organizations and institutions and dialogue with Cambodians from all walks of life.

The mission of CSD is to encourage broad participation in public affairs at both the national and local level, develop a respect for human rights and the rule of law, enhance transparency and accountability in the public sphere, and raise awareness of issues of national concern through all forms of media.

In addition to the Finance and Administration Units, CSD has 5 main operational units: (i) Legal, (ii) Governance, (iii) Public Forum, (iv) Elections & Parliamentary, (v) Research & Publication.