As this year’s Vice-President of Publications for the IDSSA and Editor-in-Chief for Catalyst, it is my utmost pleasure to welcome you to this new publishing year that is just getting started.
The past few months have undoubtedly been chaotic for most of us out there, and prospects for our futures are getting more and more uncertain, especially in light of a recent rise in the amount of COVID-19 cases in the McGill community. However, amidst this cycle of anxiety, our attachment to identifying and understanding development issues has only grown stronger. It is safe to assume that the current pandemic has challenged most of our assumptions about the current world order, shaping new perspectives and offering new avenues for innovation in the coming years. In this climate of rapid and drastic change, we must remain committed to relaying accurate and insightful information that forces us to debate what we know and constantly question our most established convictions. For the longest time, international development has been regarded as a loaded concept due to the inherent colonial discourses surrounding its establishment as a discipline. It is a concern we should always keep in mind, especially as we learn to navigate this current context of changing global dynamics. I am happy to say that our staff this year is eager to engage in these issues, and I am beyond excited to see the content they will produce.
To our returning staff, thank you so much for deciding to stay with us this year.
To our new staff, I hope you find a dedicated and inclusive community that knows to amplify your voice.
To our readers, thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Robin Vochelet (he/him)
IDSSA VP Publications 2020-2021, Catalyst Editor-in-Chief
