2021–22 was another tumultuous year, where the global challenges we face remained as poignant as ever. It was characterised by the struggle between democracy, authoritarianism and rising repression resulting in mass migration and forced displacement. Few conflicts ended, and those that continued got markedly worse. Regrettably, the year will be defined by how it ended, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine – which has seized our attention and brought into stark relief two things. Firstly, the fragility of the rules-based international order, which exacerbated conflict and instability, and secondly, how rapidly peacebuilding has come under significant pressure by militarisation, at a time when funding gaps are widening and the scale of the humanitarian response continues to fall far short of the need.

Yet we are at a crossroads. People around the globe have an unrelenting desire to live in freedom. And their desire offers us hope. The COVID response also demonstrated that we can find common ground when faced with major global threats. The implications for Saferworld and our peacebuilding partners is clear – if daunting. We must continue – through our combined advocacy and programming approach – to rally policies and resources around reducing insecurity and conflict. This is as important and as needed than ever. We say this every year, and 2022–2023 is no exception. We are working hard to live our strategy, in solidarity with those who are at the forefront of protests demanding justice and the right to live more peaceful lives.

I am both proud and inspired by how much Saferworld and our colleagues and partners are able to achieve in the face of these challenges. Let me take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them for their tireless efforts, and to thank our funders for their unswerving commitment to the peacebuilding cause.