Volume 20 Issue 1 

At the start of the year, when we sat down to plan this edition, I knew we had to explore complex systems and complex problems. What I didn’t anticipate was that the first quarter of 2025 would bring with it its own catalogue of disasters and hazards – each continuing to challenge emergency response and business continuity. From wildfires to political instability in the developed world, there is no shortage of chaos to examine.

I am privileged to be part of a community that tackles these issues head-on, regardless of their scale. I’m even more fortunate that some of these individuals have chosen to share their expertise and insight with us. On page 18, Amanda Coleman outlines key lessons we must learn from the disasters we’ve already seen this year, while Eric McNulty explores how leaders can continue to move forward. James Lodge delves into how the ripple effects of widespread disruptions are affecting organisations and their processes.

This edition also reflects on the importance of learning from the past to remain on course with resilience. Lucy Cuthbertson draws on the German occupation of the Channel Islands, returning to the lessons from a bygone era that still hold relevance today. Matt Hogan considers how we can build more effective emergency responses by looking back at what has gone before. In response to ongoing developments, Kamil Hamid examines both the farreaching consequences of the USAID closures and the issues that plagued the agency before its shutdown. On page 92, Amir Beeri introduces a search and rescue tool deployed in Thailand following the recent earthquake.

This edition, like many before it, shines a light on the growing challenges the world faces as a result of emergencies. Yet, time and again, the emergency response and resilience community is there – leading from the front and providing answers. Case in point: On page 68, Rosehanna Chowdhury turns the spotlight on women in resilience.

Uncertainty will persist – but I hope this edition, like our community, continues to move us one step closer to resilience.