There is strength in numbers, but it must be harvested. The IHDP Secretariat serves the programme as a whole, acting as the central hub between all nodes of the network. It plays a central role in development, implementation and evaluation of the programme's goals. Our strength lies in being able to "hold" the programme together through opening up channels of communication, collecting information, and disseminating results that are essential to the smooth operation of the programme. We lobby for the programme, organize activities and events, and develop research and policy capacity in order to meet the programme's goals. Additionall, the Secretariat acts as a knowledge broker between the programme, practitioners and the press, bringing research findings to users who can best utilize them. Our group approach, facilitated by the Secretariat, simplifies efforts, and intensifies effectiveness.