This is the reason behind ODIHR’s new-look Annual Report. In the past, this mainly listed the Office’s activities, and these can still be found in the detailed annexes that form the second part of the report. However, this is the best opportunity ODIHR has annually to provide information about the outcome of its activities, and its focus is therefore shifting in order to better illustrate the impact of its support in bringing about positive change. The chapters of this year’s Annual Report have been restyled to reflect the most crucial and urgent issues in the human dimension across the OSCE region identified by ODIHR – the need to: • strengthen democratic values, institutions and processes; • ensure the political and legislative framework for a robust and dynamic civil society; and • build inclusive societies based on tolerance towards the different backgrounds, religions and cultures of all those living in them. A key element of the Office’s new strategy is to bring together diverse local, national and regional partners, bridge long-existing divides and engage civil society. To make ODIHR more resilient and able to advance the human dimension of security, we have also committed to strengthening dialogue and partnerships with international organizations, democratic institutions, civil society organizations and movements and donors towards the implementation of OSCE commitments. Working in partnership, we can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of our joint activities, and become more effective in addressing the challenges before us. It is also in a spirit of dialogue that ODIHR hosts the annual Human Rights Implementation Meeting (HDIM), at which all participating States are equal partners, and where government representatives, civil society, international organisations and many more come together for frank and constructive discussions. 6 DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE OSCE By bringing people together throughout the year, whether at HDIM, at training events for human rights defenders and civil society but also for frontline practitioners such as the police and prosecutors, or in its discussions with the entire spectrum of those involved in the electoral process to encourage and support the implementation of its recommendations, ODIHR seeks to further dialogue where this has stalled. Through its constant outreach, the Office reminds participating States and their citizens that with hard work and political will, it is still possible to move forward with strengthening the human dimension as a prerequisite for the security of the entire OSCE region. ODIHR never forgets that the ultimate beneficiaries of its assistance are the people, who are endowed with the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The final aim of the Office in supporting participating States in the implementation of their OSCE commitments is therefore always the interest of the people living in the OSCE region, in all their diversity.