DIRECTOR’S NOTE

2020 was a most challenging year for everyone in the world. As I write this in April 2021, though parts of the world see some relief on the horizon due to roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines, most countries, particularly developing countries, are still struggling with new waves or variants of the virus. Hence, the future remains clouded with much uncertainty.

Looking back to the past year, I am pleased to report that we responded to the difficulties and disruptions with strength and determination. Despite our very limited resources, we initiated a series of major research, engagement and policy activities to address the global and local issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

We launched a number of research projects to monitor, document and analyse how the rapidly evolving pandemic was affecting economies and communities, and to generate new policy ideas for coping with the immediate and emerging challenges. The CDES sponsored and, with the support of the faculty, also funded several research projects covering a wide range of topics such as the impact on the mental health of women, educational losses of children, public awareness about COVID-19 protective health measures and how to address mis-perceptions and misconceptions about the disease, and optimal allocation of life-saving ventilators. CDES members contributed articles, blog pieces and op-eds, and participated in webinars and other fora to disseminate our analysis and recommendations.

We recognised quickly that the global pandemic not only posed unprecedented challenges but also offered an opportunity for us to engage with the global community of concerned academics, scientists, health professionals and policy makers to develop effective, practical solutions to those challenges. In April 2020, as soon as the enormity of the epidemic was becoming clear, we launched a webinar series, ‘COVID-19 and Beyond’, to provide a forum for sharing of ideas and for stimulating debate on the huge economic and social ramifications and the policy challenges of the pandemic. We attracted scholars from a wide range of disciplines including medical researchers and health professionals, and policy practitioners as well as some of the world’s thought leaders to the CDES webinar series, successfully reaching a world-wide audience and helping us to network with leading academics, policy analysts and institutions.

Going forward, we plan to build on these achievements, deepen our research and engagement activities, and ensure that CDES will continue to contribute to sustainable, equitable and inclusive development in our region and globally. PROFESSOR ASAD ISLAM Director, CDES Monash Business School Monash University

I thank you all for your continuing support and assistance and hope that you will all remain alert, safe and strong in these difficult times. I look forward to happier times and to meeting together in-person before too long.