It is with great enthusiasm that I reflect on my first six months as Executive Director of Southern Voice, after a smooth and strategic transition. I embarked on this journey back in March with two primary goals: First, to engage with each of our 70 members and collectively define Southern Voice’s priorities, initiatives, and impact goals. Second, to elevate Southern Voice to new heights – solidifying our place as the most influential Global South network of think tanks.

As I look back on these 180 days, I am continually inspired by the diversity and quality of our members, who work tirelessly to create a just and prosperous Global South. Together, we are not just imagining change – we are making it happen!

A New Era of Innovation

To achieve the impact we strive for, we need a clear direction supported by the expertise and passion of our peers, as well as a willingness to explore new possibilities. In collaboration with our members, partners, and the outstanding Secretariat team, we have engaged in a co-creative process.

It started with leadership meetings and culminated in the in-person Secretariat gathering this past August in Lima, Peru. These collective efforts resulted in our ambitious Strategic Implementation Plan, which outlines our goals and actions to build a more vibrant and impactful network.

Southern Voice’s new chapter is set to be one of innovation and transformative impact. In just six months, we have launched two groundbreaking initiatives. The Challenge Fund for Evidence Use empowers Southern researchers to lead innovative projects across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through these, we foster critical collaborations between researchers and evidence users to advance gender equality. Additionally, our Evidence to Action Lab is a pioneering effort to bridge the gap between research and policy, equipping researchers and decision-makers with the tools to create a deeper impact.

Empowering Our Members for Greater Impact

I firmly believe that an organisation’s strength stems from its people. Similarly, our network’s power lies in our members. As Executive Director, one of my priorities is to position our members at the heart of our strategy and activities. During these months, we have engaged over 90 individuals and researchers in global dialogues such as the Summit of the Future and the T20, and on key development issues like financing for development, gender equality, digitalization, and the Beyond Agenda 2030. We have also launched the Global South Perspectives initiative, with articles collecting Southern insights about global challenges. This collaborative effort involved 16 researchers across 10 different countries, a testament to our shared commitment to global knowledge exchange and cooperation. In this spirit, I am dedicated to the continuation of growth opportunities for our members to thrive and amplify their influence.

Equally important has been strengthening our Secretariat team. We are fostering a culture where talent can flourish and ideas can thrive, ensuring our mission aligns with purposeful action. We have established core values that embody who we are and where we are headed, and have initiated a talent plan to empower our team and take Southern Voice to new heights.

The Road Ahead: Commitment and Purpose

The future looks promising. In my conversations with the network’s Executive Directors, we agreed on the importance of addressing key priorities: improving fundraising, strengthening the role of think tanks, and empowering Southern researchers to address global knowledge imbalances. Internally, we must also continue to develop effective channels that engage every member and nurture our vibrant community. I am committed to growing this network strategically, guided by our members’ priorities, the needs of the Global South, and our shared vision for sustainable development.

Finally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. To the Secretariat team, thank you for your dedication and support during the transition; to our members, thank you for your trust; and to our partners, thank you for walking this journey with us. Our achievements are a collective success.
I’m excited for what’s to come, and trust that you are too.

For a better world,
Margarita
Executive Director, Southern Voice

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