A message from Saferworld’s Executive Director, Paul Murphy
As Saferworld reaches its 30th birthday, I have reflected on our launch in 1989 as a small independent research organisation. I am proud of our international standing in the world today, as an expert and well-respected organisation working hand-in-hand with communities and partners around the world to prevent violent conflict and build peace. This recognition is the result of our efforts over three decades, of building partnerships that have given crucial strength and credibility to our organisation. Our relationships – with our donors, partners, civil society organisations, authorities, the communities we work with and others – form the backbone of our organisation, and clearly illustrate that when people unite for a common cause, foundations are laid for incredible sustainable change to take place.
Indeed, just over the last year, Saferworld has witnessed many noteworthy events which stand out as inspiring examples of the potential collective of ordinary people. The re-emergence of popular peaceful campaigns for social and political change, especially in Africa, highlights this trend. Earlier this year, we saw non-violent resistance in Algeria precipitating changes in power, and days later, protesters in Sudan witnessed the ousting of Sudan’s president of 30 years. I have had the privilege to meet remarkable groups and individuals across Asia, Africa and the Middle East who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and commitment in situations where political accountability and change is purposely denied, sometimes for decades.
A prevailing feature in these and other contexts is the significant role being played by young people and women, who are on the front line of developments. Among the social movements and community groups that make up coalitions of public action, young people are playing a leading role in challenging injustice and inequality. This is something we take seriously, especially as young men and women today are more educated, more aspirational and more connected to the world than ever before; yet they also experience deep disenchantment and chronic unemployment.
We are embracing the challenge to better harness their potential to champion peace and usher in non-violent political and social change, and we are integrating this into our work with partners. In countries where we work, we support young women and men to research, design and deliver their own initiatives, to tackle injustice, create more equal opportunities, and improve conditions to build safer communities and for peace to take root.
This year we have developed new relationships with youth groups in Bangladesh, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen – bringing them together to discuss the issues they face, supporting their work, and helping bring voices and perspectives to the international stage.
The impact of these efforts is only one of a number of issues highlighted in this annual review – which is just a snapshot of our achievements. Marking 30 years this year, Saferworld continues to channel the exceptional skills and expertise of individuals, colleagues and partners in making a significant difference for people experiencing the stress and horrors of violent conflict and instability across the world. Building on what is now an exceptional organisational legacy, it is with growing confidence and fortitude that I look forward to the future role we will play with others – including our partners and collaborating organisations – in making long-lasting contributions when addressing the challenging political conditions that keep societies divided, relationships unequal, and opportunities for a just and sustainable peace denied.
We will continue to shape our organisation as one fit for the new challenges ahead, constantly adapting our policies and ways of working so that we remain a relevant and credible agent of change. This includes the recent work we are undertaking to strengthen internal systems, reviewing ways to empower partnerships and promoting a positive culture around safeguarding. Like other internal developments, we remain committed to viewing the latter as a long-term organisational culture change, rather than a tick-box exercise. We look forward to working closely with you over the next 30 years.
Paul Murphy, Executive Director