[2][3] CADTM's main aim is to achieve the cancellation of the external public debt in third world countries, on the belief such cancellation would break a pattern of ever-growing indebtedness by creating economic models which proponents describe as socially fair and environmentally sustainable development.
The group describes its supplementary aims as "radically transforming the world's institutional and financial framework"; protection of human rights; strengthening of citizens' movements and activism; and pressuring political leaders to implement human rights guarantees and implementing CADTM and "social movements'" policies.
CADTM claims to support women's emancipation, peoples' right to self-determination, radical land reforms and a general reduction of working hours.
[citation needed] CADTM publishes a magazine, essays and a website and organises seminars, lectures, debates, training sessions, international conferences and campaigns.
In September 2018, CADTM's submission to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was accepted as a contribution to the OHCHR's development of "Guiding Principles" for human rights impact assessments for economic reform policies.