Along these lines, GFRAS has been undertaking comprehensive capacity needs assessments with many of its regional networks in 2016. The assessments covered the general functioning and institutional set-up of the networks, their capacities to advocate for RAS, their knowledge management and ICT capacities, as well as their capacities to support the professionalisation of RAS within their regions and countries. These assessments have then be summarised and visualised in a synthesis report, which is available below and as a basis for the continuing efforts to strengthen the regional networks. Each year at the GFRAS Annual Meeting a section of the programme is allocated to discuss the results and latest progress based on these assessments.