Strategic initiatives are driven by objectives to do research for development. These special projects are designed as expansive roadmaps for MR’s future growth. As part of its research output , MR actively shares its experiences and perspectives in international publications and contribute to studies that examine the evolving conditions of the humanitarian sector.

Mercy Relief’s Editorial Contributions:

	Future Perfect 2012 - Mitigating Vulnerability for Sustainable Development On the 5th invitation, MR shared its experiences on the growing challenges to sustainable societies and the solutions enabling increased investments entitled “Mitigating Vulnerability for Sustainable Development” for the UNDESA publication. Future Perfect was launched at the 3rd Preparatory Committee of Rio+20 (June 2012).
	Risk Returns 2011 - Risk Reduction and Adaptation: Good Concepts with Great Challenges IRisk Returns is MR's 2011's editorial contribution to UNISDR's publication, a fully illustrated 250-page book with over one hundred authors relating their efforts in making sustainable disaster risk reduction strategies an essential element in human development programmes at international, regional, national, and even local levels of activity.
	Tomorrow Today 2010 - Helping People Take Control of Their Destiny In this UNESCO publication on the theme of Education for Sustainable Development, Mercy Relief's article discusses the role of education as an integral element in the development process of disadvantaged communities.
	Risk Wise Epidemics 2009 –Thwarting the Secondary Enemy Mercy Relief’s article in this follow-up edition addresses the very real issue of augmenting the defensive capabilities of rural communities against the onset of epidemy, especially during times of disaster.
	Risk Wise 2008 –Peacetime Strategies for Disaster Risk Mitigation With case studies and analysis of its past disaster relief missions in this UN-supported publication, Mercy Relief’s article discusses the importance of network alliances developed in peacetime and their role in the efficacy of disaster risk reduction and mitigation in light of the increasing global threat of natural disasters.
	The Effectiveness of Foreign Military Assets in Natural Disaster Response This study examines the advantages, limitations and implications of involving foreign military assets in relief operations that follow major natural disasters. It presents the findings of a research project carried out by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute with the support of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.