By Dr. Ian Davis, Global Leader on Disaster Risk Reduction, United Kingdom

I am delighted to extend my congratulations to AIDMI on this significant milestone. How the editorial team and varied authors manage to sustain all these wonderful publications on a regular basis remains a total mystery to me!  Over the years, the quality in the selection of relevant topics, clear, concise writing, attractive format, rich original insights, and, most importantly, ‘the ever-practical application’,  are all aspects we have come to expect and value; we are never disappointed!

Some years ago, my wife and I had the honour of visiting AIDMI in Ahmedabad, where we were introduced to a large group of school teachers who met regularly to share and learn from one another about school-based disaster preparedness.  We were so impressed with their dedication to the safety of their students.  And just a few months later, a publication emerged that captured the topic of child and school safety.  It is through this close relationship between theory, dialogue concerning best practice and widely distributed online publication that these publication issues play such a vital role in supporting Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation to Climate Change.

Looking towards the next 200 issues, may I be permitted to encourage the editors and contributors to:

• never be afraid to tackle topics that are politically sensitive,
• keep looking for newly emerging risks and innovative ways to reduce them,
• challenge entrenched orthodoxy when it fails to deliver what is needed,
• maintain the attractive format that pleases the eye and engages the heart.

I extend my deepest gratitude for this dedicated service in reducing risks, and I would like to thank all those involved in these excellent publications, which meet such a vital need in our increasingly fragile world.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.