Breaking the mould of business as usual, the g7+ is changing the approach to development in conflict affected
and fragile countries.

The g7+ Foundation exists to support the group's secretariat and member states, to broaden the understanding of the unique needs of countries in fragile situations, and ensure the application of practical measures that reverse fragility, and put us on the path to resilience and development. 

Over the past few years, the g7+ has changed the international discourse on development, from a monologue to dialogue. Now, drawing on the group's successes and learning to date, we seek to better inform this dialogue.

Many guardians of our information have neither the capacity nor the access to
share their knowledge.

There is a wealth of knowledge and experience that already exists in g7+ countries. In order to harness this, we want to link story tellers, researchers and analysts, and to seek out and value the insights of the very people involved in the development processes. We understand that it is important to carefully consider the full story and its context before drawing conclusions.

At the same time, we need to address the enormous data deficit that exists in and about countries in fragile situations, and to build capacity in research and analysis.

Our initial studies exemplify this approach.

The first, State Building in Conflict Affected and Fragile States: A Comparative Study of Timor-Leste and Afghanistan Public Finance and National Accountability, highlights the experiences of strengthening capacity in public financial management as a means of delivering better development outcomes.

The second, Reconciliation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia: A Forward Looking Model, explores this unique bilateral reconciliation process to facilitate a better understanding of what took place, and the complex interplay of external and domestic pressures that surrounded the mutual pursuit of peace and development. This research project is continuing, and seeks to capture the first hand accounts of key leaders at the time, together with a sample of families living near the border, returned militia/refugees, and victims and their families.

Click here to download the research findings brief

Click here to download the full research report by the Institute of State Effectiveness

Both studies were framed to capture key insights into what has and has not worked, along with the ongoing challenges. They are based on the first hand accounts of the key actors, coupled with a review of relevant literature and data analysis.

This is practical research about us, by us, for us.

The findings are intended to provide ideas to governments in conflict affected and fragile situations,as well as to assist our partners to better understand the context in which we work together. 

We are mindful that our primary audience of policy makers and influences are often excluded from the conversation due to language and educational barriers.

 We will document, record and communicate research findings in user relevant languages and formats. 
Research into people's lives and the institutions that exist to serve them must be accessible. For too long research teams have been sent into the field never to return to deliver and explain their findings. Redressing this poses significant resource challenges, but these are challenges that can no longer be shied away from. The results will be better research, and more inclusive and responsive policy choices.

The g7+ has a legitimate place on the international stage. In order for its voice to continue to have an impact, it will need to keep abreast of what is happening at home and abroad. A defining trait of countries in fragile situations is operating with limited capacity to undertake necessary analytical work. Capacity constraints coupled with managing immediate pressures further inhibits space for reflective thinking and planning ahead.

The g7+ Foundation helps build research and analytical capacity, and supports the g7+ Secretariat in advocating the voice of the g7+ membership. Together we can ensure the continued active contribution of the group in the international policy discourse, together with better informed and more inclusive policy decisions at home.

Download a copy of our introductory brochure [PDF 0.75MB]