Humanitarian interdependencies were an overarching theme of our work in 2023. As our work demonstrates, there is a high degree of interdependency between the humanitarian principles, protection, and accountability. In light of this reality, it is of key importance to leverage comparative advantages and anchor humanitarian coordination in in-depth strategic thinking. 2023 also provided an opportunity to explore the interdependencies between strategy, preparedness, and quality humanitarian aid, as well as between funding, coordination, and collective commitments

As always, much of our research also included the organisation of round tables or validation workshops, making exchange an inherent part of both data collection and restitution processes. As in previous years, our staff members also provided advice and participated in a number of trainings, forum discussions and panels during the year. 

This annual report wraps up with three lessons 2023 taught us:

• There is a need to clarify how to evaluate collective humanitarian action in a context where it is known from the outset that the system has not delivered
• There is great value in connecting with the inner functioning of donor governments to anchor the relevance of principled humanitarian action, protection, and accountability
• While measuring our impact is close to impossible, our targeted exchange role is particularly appreciated, and a potentially important avenue for us to influence change