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International Development

Move faster, manage risk and achieve sustainable impact at scale. We partner with governments, donors and development institutions to turn ambitious development goals into lasting results—strengthening institutions and delivering resilient infrastructure that improves lives.

Market Lead

Shannon Dotson

Building the future

A large concrete dam with a stepped spillway rises above a rocky canyon, releasing a strong so water from an outlet near its base into the river below, with a calm reservoir visible behind i

Building with a red-tiled roof in a mountainous landscape, surrounded by bare trees, with people walking nearby.

Garbage truck dumping waste at landfill, workers in orange vests nearby, surrounded by birds, with a forested hill behind.

Our team brings together world-class and local expertise for development funded by government clients, bilateral donors, multilateral banks, specialty funds and the private sector.

Sustainability

Advancing responsible use of natural, financial and human capital by applying measures to multiply economic benefits, improve environmental and social conditions and reduce negative impacts.

Prosperity

Guiding development investment strategically to deliver the economic, social and environmental benefits intended and create conditions for societies to thrive.

Resiliency

Identifying vulnerabilities and changing conditions and applying practical tools and methodologies to strengthen critical infrastructure systems, based on decades of impact evaluation and resiliency planning experience.

Community

Partnering with clients to engage communities affected by development through strategic outreach, risk communication and stakeholder participation for collaboration that enhances delivery and results.

Featured international development projects

We help design and build facilities, including desalination and reuse, for water security, earthquake-resilient schools, health clinics and community centers. We also offer planning and design of roads, bridges and transit systems for movement of goods and people. Our expertise includes energy conservation, efficiency and generation for smart power, as well as nature-based solutions for resource sustainability and economic prosperity.

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Construction site of the Suez Canal expansion, with cranes, scaffolding, and machinery on a sunny day.

Ismailia, Egypt

Crossing the Suez Canal

This landmark project connected Sinai, Ismailia, and Port Said with new tunnels, strengthening Egypt’s trade and economic growth.

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Aerial view of water treatment plant in Jordan

Northern Shuneh, Jordan

Hydrating Jordan’s northern region

Thanks to a remarkable drinking water infrastructure upgrade, more than 1 million people now have improved access to potable water in the Northern Governorates of Jordan.

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Person carries a large sack across a shallow river, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees, under a blue sky.

Jakarta, Indonesia

Green prosperity drives Indonesia forward

The governments of Indonesia and the United States partnered to help alleviate poverty and reduce environmental impacts by creating economic growth opportunities through various initiatives.

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Aerial view of a Colombian beach with mountains, forest, and turquoise ocean waves.

Bogota, Colombia

Restoring Colombia’s Caribbean coast

Hybrid green and gray infrastructure protects Colombia's coast from climate change through mangrove restoration and nature-based solutions.

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CDM Smith’s global team of international development experts embraces the dramatic changes taking place now to create what comes next with our clients.

Shannon Dotson, PE

Senior Civil Engineer

With over 25 years in civil engineering, Shannon leads global teams delivering transport corridor projects across rail, road and aviation worldwide.

Related practices

Climate Resilience

We can no longer rely on the past to prepare for the future. Our teams work across water, transportation, environment and infrastructure to implement right-size solutions backed by climate science.

Program Management

CDM Smith’s program management team is bringing complexity under control by building strong, enduring relationships.

Construction

CDM Smith is an integrated design-builder with a legacy of successful projects. We work as one entity to deliver a legendary client experience from project inceptions through design, preconstruction, construction and commissioning.

Transit & Urban Mobility

We connect people and technology to build and modernize sustainable transportation infrastructure for the future, maximizing stakeholder funding and fueling long-term economic growth.

Conveyance

Whether you’re concerned about keeping existing water conveyance assets healthy or building new ones, we’re here to help you find the answers you need.

Water Resources Infrastructure and Resiliency

Forward-thinking water resources planning, design construction and operations means making smarter investments that lower life-cycle costs and provide multiple benefits.

Drinking Water

Whether your goals are to unlock new sources, enhance the quality and reliability of the supplies you have or upgrade the technologies you use, we can help you achieve water supply innovation.

Water Reuse

Water reuse is the future of water supply. CDM Smith is committed to strengthening water supply portfolios where they are most needed today and will be tomorrow.

Geotechnical, Tunnels and Dams

We offer a full range of traditional and specialty geotechnical services with an emphasis on managing risk and delivering innovative solutions to our clients’ complex projects.

Ready to take the next steps?

We love collaborating with passionate individuals and organizations. If you want to talk about potential projects, reach out to our experts. If you're interested in joining our team, check our careers page for open positions or internships.

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