Synergos 2004-2005 Report

There is perhaps morediscussion aboutglobal poverty todaythan at any time inrecent history. Thereare new voices inthis conversationwith excitingand innovative ideas.There are also great frustrations being expressedthat past efforts to advance the quality of lifefor the most poor and vulnerable in our globalsociety continue to be so unsuccessful.Synergos has a distinct record ofaccomplishment to build upon in this field anda demonstrated commitment to be a laboratoryof innovation. We will continue to partner withinstitutions and people who seek to create a more just and equitable society by engaginglocal communities, addressing root causes and supporting initiatives that bring peopletogether across all sectors and differences.Synergos has been most fortunate to have S. Bruce Shearer as one of its leaders. This reportis about work begun and completed with the Synergos board, staff, partners, funders andcollaborators on his watch. It’s a record that reflects his wisdom, integrity and diligence.I feel privileged to serve as Bruce’s successor.One of the ways in which the world is changing is that there are increasingly higherexpectations of stakeholders for transparency and accountability. Synergos is in theprocess of weighing how best to meet these new requirements and you should expect tosee the results of these deliberations in our next report.In the meantime, I welcome your comments on this report and our work.We remain grateful for the inspiration and support provided by the people we work witharound the world. We hope we have done justice to their extraordinary capabilities andthose of our own staff and supporters.Cordially,Robert H. DunnPresident & CEOTHE SYNERGOS INSTITUTE 3