As the CEO of the Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN), I am excited to share our recently launched strategy for the years 2024-2028. This is a milestone for our organization as we refine and commit to a model that not only addresses the immediate needs of undernutrition but also fosters long-term, systemic change within the humanitarian sector.
A Journey of Transformation
When I joined ENN nearly two years ago, I was inspired by our unique approach of working within networks to influence lasting change. This model is not just relevant; it is essential in today’s world where the challenges of undernutrition are exacerbated by conflict and climate change. As we look back on our previous strategy, it is clear that the humanitarian landscape has shifted dramatically. The needs of those most at risk have surged, while funding has not kept pace. The return of undernutrition and famines is a stark reminder of the urgent work ahead. We therefore require systemic enduring changes to how undernutrition is prevented and responded to, in order to produce the greatest long-term impact.
Systemic Change: The Heart of Our Strategy
Our new strategy is a response to these challenges. We recognize that a linear connection between the number of individuals reached, and the costs incurred is no longer sufficient to meet the vast humanitarian needs across the globe.
Through robust analysis of external trends and the most effective responses, we have validated our model and identified key areas for investment. Our strategy places clearer emphasis on collaboration with critical actors within networks, ensuring that our efforts are amplified by the collective actions of our partners and that together we leave the context better than we found it, with a positive impact for all.
Our Commitment to Practitioners
A significant aspect of our strategy is our commitment to better enabling practitioners in the field. To this end, we will focus on three main pillars:
1. Evidence and Analysis: Providing the necessary data to inform decision-making and effective interventions.
2. Convening Critical Actors: Creating platforms for collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders to identify collective priorities and foster solutions for all practitioners.
3. Knowledge Exchange: Facilitating the sharing of evidence, analysis, best practices and lessons learned, to strengthen our collective impact.
We are established in these fields, and we are committed to exploring new ways to expand impact with our networks.
We also recognise that there are areas we must improve and in this strategic period, ENN will invest in our communications and digital expertise to reach more people, in more places in new and improved ways. We will serve organisations, notably research institutions, in proximity to those we serve as well as invest in our understanding and expertise in Gender, Youth Engagement, Diversity and Environmental impact.
Internally, we are committed to being more efficient, more accountable, and a greater place to work. We want ENN to be a creative space where curiosity and ambition are encouraged and everyone can give their best, for themselves and for our networks.
Looking Ahead
As we embark on this new journey, I am proud of the progress we have made and the clarity we have gained in defining our purpose, our vision and our offer. Our commitment to working exclusively within networks not only enhances our relevance but also ensures that we can adapt and thrive in the evolving humanitarian landscape.
With the world in crisis and human suffering at the highest levels in a generation, I believe our strategy makes the case for independent organisations like ENN who, with no vested interests in the wider system, can make excellent, honest and meaningful contributions to the effectiveness of the whole.
Being a curious and creative organisation, we know the strategy is not the end game or the definitive route to success and we look forward to the thoughts and contributions of all our collaborators in helping to enrichen the journey of the next 5 years.
Together, we can turn the tide against undernutrition and contribute to a world where every individual confronted with the crisis of undernutrition has access to an immediate and dignified response. I invite you to join us in our work.
Thank you for your support and belief in the vital work we do at the Emergency Nutrition Network.