Devex: A less fragile future
Neal Keny-Guyer, chief executive officer at Mercy Corps

“…In fragile countries like Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and Yemen, addressing conflict and security is critical to stopping the cycle of violence, weak governance, and extreme poverty. … Any effort to improve economic or health outcomes that doesn’t address conflict will not be reaching its greatest impact. … As humanitarian actors think about how to make our greatest contribution in the future, we need to focus primarily on the most fragile places, as that’s where suffering is concentrated. While there are no simple solutions and fast fixes, ending the cycle of violence — coupled with improved governance and economic opportunity — is a critical component of lasting, positive change for the people who need it most” (9/14).