The world is under immense pressure. Humanitarian crises are increasing in both scale and complexity, from Gaza and Sudan to Ukraine and the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the same time, budgets for international development and cooperation are under strain worldwide. Governments and donors are making different funding choices, while the need for emergency relief and support continues to grow.
In this context, Cordaid must also make difficult decisions. To ensure that we can continue to contribute effectively to dignified lives for people in vulnerable circumstances in the future, we are adapting our organisation. We are building on our strategic decision to work even more closely with local partners, continue to generate sustainable impact, and place greater responsibility and resources closer to the communities we support.
This means that we will be restructuring our organisation. Unfortunately, this will also have consequences for colleagues at our office in The Hague. This is a significant and difficult message for people who have often dedicated many years of committed service to our mission. We are acutely aware of the impact this will have and will therefore conduct this process with great care, transparency and respect for everyone involved.
This change does not stand alone. In recent years, Cordaid has already taken important steps to ensure the organisation is fit for the future, including strengthening its management and governance and continuing to invest in locally led development and strong partnerships.
Our mission remains unchanged. On the contrary. In a world where inequality, conflict and exclusion are increasing, we are committed to ensuring that as much as possible of our resources, knowledge and capacity reach those who need it most.
We also want to reassure our partners and stakeholders that all existing commitments and contracts will remain unchanged and that, despite this reduction, we will continue to uphold our high standards of financial management, quality and accountability. We remain fully committed to delivering results and maintaining strong, professional partnerships.
Against this backdrop, we are making these difficult but necessary decisions while continuing to support one another throughout this process.
Heleen van den Berg
CEO, Cordaid