Abstract
The International Association for Community Development (IACD) is the global multi-disciplinary network for those who work in this field. The association celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024. This reflection article examines the history and activities of IACD drawing upon the author’s lead role in establishing the association, and as a past Secretary General and President. The article explores the work of IACD over the past twenty-five years, including the background to why it was created in the late 1990s and how it has become part an important part of the infrastructure to support participatory community development practice.