The eyes of the world once again watched in disbelief as the devastation of these regions unfolded, and helping hands began arriving from all corners of the globe to assist in the rescue and relief operations. Individuals of every race, religion, culture and political persuasion across each and every continent worldwide, along with governments, the private sector, non‑government organizations and other national and international bodies, reacted in an unprecedented show of human concern and compassion

From the scale of the devastation wrought by both disasters, it was clear that it would not be enough to simply replace the homes, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure. The rehabilitation and reconstruction program would need to embrace the rebuilding of the social structures that once thrived along the shores of Aceh and within the hinterlands of Nias. The trauma of losing friends, family and a means to support those who survived required that the recovery program focused not only on physical, but also non‑physical, development, and on rebuilding an economy to a level that would ensure a firm foundation for future (re)development and growth.