We learn a lot about ourselves when faced with unexpected challenges. This applied to us at Saferworld – as it did to so many others – throughout 2021–22, when we had to contend with the wider implications of the COVID pandemic on our work and organisation. It was a testing time in many respects. A particular personal challenge was the way the pandemic (for all sorts of reasons) drew me, and others, to be more inward-looking; an understandable reaction, but ultimately not what we are set up to be. It only took a brief glance at how others are dealing with so much more, to regain perspective.

Our work brings us close to people experiencing impossible dilemmas, insecurity and trauma; more than anyone should have to endure. Yet in the past year we frequently witnessed remarkable human resourcefulness and courage to address adversity, pursue justice, and strive for resolution – sometimes where we least expected it. Which is why we proudly stand with communities, activists and extraordinary peacebuilders across the world, and develop collaborative ways to share skills, provide support, and bolster confidence in ways that will lead to their success.

Despite the many constraints, I am proud that we didn’t lose sight of our mission nor diminish our efforts. As before, this year’s annual review offers only a glimpse of the world my colleagues and our partners dedicate themselves to, and of the tribulations and triumphs people face when coping with insecurity and violent conflict. This is evidenced in the snapshots provided of our engagement in Sudan and Yemen (pages 10 and 14), where – despite intense hardships and coercive pressures – we saw extraordinary courage and inspiring local leadership seeking peaceful change, shaped in many instances by the contributions of women and young people. In fact, a recurring standout is the peacebuilding role women play in practically every context where we work despite the limited opportunities extended their way. This is also a reason why we invest so much in supporting women to overcome the barriers they face, as you’ll see in examples from Somalia and South Sudan (pages 8–9).

At Saferworld, we believe in peaceful change emanating from the bottom up: a bedrock for wider political transformation to eventually take root and drive long-term solutions for peaceful and inclusive societies.

A familiar pattern you will see highlighted in this review is the provision of support for genuine community-based actions that make a difference – such as in Kyrgyzstan and Uganda (pages 6 and 11) – and increasingly the championing of and support provided to the role young people play in pursuing justice and peaceful change.

Nevertheless, peace actors face harsh realities. The causes of conflict are complex and messy, and it’s no surprise that the journey to transform societies is a multi-layered and long-term endeavour – a factor that has also made us more aware of the need, for example, for targeted mental health support to at-risk young people in Kyrgyzstan (page 6). Change takes time, but also requires a readiness on our part to stay the course alongside our partners. It’s also why as an organisation we make the extra effort to engage with complexity and distinguish the points of intersection between local and national drivers of conflict, so that we better support partners to address the political changes needed for sustainable peace.

We also recognise how important it is to engage international systems and organisations to be more conflict sensitive, gender transformative, and accountable to those experiencing injustice and inequality – if they are to avoid doing harm and become more effective. This inspires our continuing work out of Beijing, Brussels, London and Washington DC. This work includes supporting more accountable control of international arms transfers (page 16), and calling attention to the harmful effects of securitised international responses to conflict – especially on human rights, civic space and peacebuilding efforts generally (whether within the UN, the EU or across specific governments; see pages 21–23).

Despite the impositions of the COVID crisis in 2021–22 and the disappointing lack of international consensus to address global challenges, including growing insecurity and conflict, our review highlights the determination of peace actors and communities to never give up despite multiple challenges. We take inspiration from them in the places where we work, and we will continue playing a part in making their efforts even more resilient and effective. Our sincere gratitude goes to our funding partners and donors to help make this happen, and to the many other agencies we collaborate with. We look forward to a continuing alliance together.