Message from the Director
Since its establishment in 2000, DCAF has expanded its work from supporting the reform of security sector institutions in Central and Eastern Europe, to working with national and international partners on reform and good governance in more than 80 countries around the world.
Our vision is a world in which human and national security are provided within the framework of democratically governed, accountable, and effective security sectors. We believe this is an essential step in creating the conditions for peace and sustainable development.
This became even more pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused unprecedented socio-economic crises and insecurity that will leave deep and long-lasting scars. It has also put public health systems - and the security institutions that were called into action to support them - under intense pressure. Lessons learnt through supporting our partners trying to manage the health crisis further illustrates the importance of strengthening rule of law and promoting human rights and gender equality within security institutions.
To take our vision into our third decade, DCAF’s Strategy for 2020-2024 sets out four objectives:
- Reaffirm the value of democratic governance in addressing current and emerging security challenges;
- Enhance engagement in fragile and conflict-affected contexts;
- Strengthen the contribution of SSG/R to international policy and practice;
- Tailor our organization to better deliver on our mandate.
I would like to thank our many generous donors, who make DCAF's work possible. Special thanks go to our core funders: Switzerland, Sweden, and Liechtenstein, whose trust enables us to innovate, evolve and, plan for the future.
Finally, I would like to express my pride in DCAF’s staff in Geneva and our offices around the world whose tireless work and commitment have made DCAF what it is today: an innovator in security sector governance and reform, and a trusted and knowledgeable partner with a reputation for excellence.
Ambassador Thomas Guerber
Director, DCAF (from 2016 to 2022)