The creation of MDP programmes is an acknowledgement that addressing extreme poverty and sustainable development throughout the world requires expert knowledge and an interdisciplinary approach. Currently the bulk of development leaders are trained in narrow fields, by broadening their training and providing them with a knowledge base including health sciences, natural sciences, social sciences and management and taking an integrated, holistic approach to finding solutions to development challenges, such practitioners will be able to more effectively understand and address the root causes of extreme poverty and the challenges of sustainable development