The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed unimaginable havoc across the world. What most likely started as a zoonotic infection – a disease transmitted from a wild animal to humans – has triggered a chain reaction that has shuttered economies, frozen world travel, intensified poverty and deepened discord. The pandemic has laid bare the failings and inadequacies of current policies, and highlighted the close links between people, the planet and prosperity. This crisis demonstrates the dependence of humanity on the planet, for health, food and unfettered supply chains. How the world responds to this tragedy will either amplify global threats or mitigate them, so countries need to choose wisely. This Series offers insights into innovative and state-of-the-art solutions that can guide countries to build more inclusive and sustainable economies that are resilient in the face of pandemics, climate change and other threats.