In the comparatively short time it took to plan, produce, and publish this issue, the world has dramatically changed. Chinese probes visited the dark side of the moon. An attempted assassination on former US President Trump almost cost him his life. Elections, to varying results, have been held in Mexico, India, France, and the UK. Across the globe, countries continue to experience the largest number of violent conflicts since the Second World War.  

This is my first issue as magazine editor for Alliance. The world of philanthropy is a new venture for me. At times, working on this issue has been a challenge. Mostly it has been eye opening.  

‘I have learned that philanthropy is not an island. As a sector it may be underregulated and not easily accessible, but it does not exist separately from the rest of society.’

The work undertaken by the people who read this magazine will impact people’s lives. Their actions can – and do – have real world consequences.