The project conducted seventy-nine oral history interviews with key participants in the evolution of UN ideas. Oral histories are essential, both to inform the various publications of the project and to provide a key historical resource for future generations of scholars. Oral history generally allows for nuance and passion, and it gives future researchers the opportunity to hear the dynamic quality of personal accounts. In addition, these interviews give project researchers and authors an opportunity to identify ideas that never made it beyond closed room discussions and to explore the debates about and circumstances of their demise. The project uses the oral history method both to better understand the UN's contribution to global economic and social policy and to development discourse and practice. The archive of seventy-nine personal testimonies contains the recorded life narratives of individuals who served the world organization in key positions as staff members, consultants, researchers, diplomats, and chairs of commissions.