It comprises a group of teams and programmes working in synergy, and describes itself as a network of decentralized nodes worldwide.
It argues in favour of community-based organisations and community movements (rural and urban associations which bring together youth and women with professionals, consumers and local or national federations etc.).
ENDA works "by carrying out, on the basis of grassroots development actions and the struggle of the peoples of the Third World, a permanent search for a methodology which will cater for their need and desire for independence."
It focuses on integrated action, reflection and training; and prioritises local, technical, human and national resources.
It lists its priorities as human and people's rights; support for culturally threatened peoples; socio-spatial disparities; children and youth in face of unemployment; articulation of the administration/population relationship; combined technologies; ecology and the urban popular economy; grassroots communication; the fight against "imported consumption patterns and production models"; and actions against AIDS; among others.