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The
Russia/Ukraine conflict was the defining security issue of 2022, highlighting
how geopolitics and the threat of interstate conflict are back on the corporate
risk agenda. 24 February 2023 marks one-year since
the conflict began and in recognition of this milestone, International SOS shares
insight into how it supported clients, key lessons learnt and how this
significant geo-political conflict impacts organisations’ risk outlook.
International
SOS & Ukraine
International
SOS’ support for clients began before the conflict started. On 12 February 2022
International SOS advised clients to fully evacuate Ukraine and several months prior
to this a team was deployed to the country to audit resources and gather
information. This preparation was critical in preparing for the potential eventuality
of conflict. It involved engaging with network of providers on the ground and
providing information directly to clients on first-hand basis.
This ‘boots
on the ground’ approach also included meeting with local clients, gathering and
analysing information which included route, hotel, railway, and airport
assessments. With disinformation remaining a constant challenge for many, verifying
information was also part of this preparation enabling thorough, effective, and
efficient planning for clients. Also ensuring critical lines of communication
were fully functioning was key, particularly satellite phones and
telecommunications.
Since the conflict broke
out International SOS’ support has included conducting complex security and
medical evacuations, advising on the security and medical situation on the
ground and in the bordering countries, briefing clients’ Crisis Management
Teams and providing security advice, emotional & medical support for
organisations with employees who remain in Ukraine.
International SOS
handled over 1,900 cases, supporting over 640 clients. It successfully
completed more than 60 secure ground movements from conflict zones, moving over
170 adults, three babies and 10 pets.
Critical lessons
learned
Having dealt with the pandemic for several years
numerous organisations were not prepared or equipped to navigate such a
significant geo-political conflict, with many turning to International SOS for
support.
Lessons
learned for clients which International SOS supported include:
·
The need for stronger and more robust
crisis management processes and capabilities
·
The ability to verify information
and access to trusted, timely facts during times of crisis
· The importance of the systems and processes in place to be able to enable faster, better decision making
The corporate
risk agenda
The conflict will certainly
continue to have an impact in 2023, so it is beneficial for organisations to
learn how to effectively handle the shifting global risk environment. It is likely that geopolitical volatility will spread beyond
Russia/Ukraine in the next 12 months, as increasing fissures between
Russia and the West will impact other conflicts and exacerbate longstanding
geopolitical tensions.
Udit Mehta, Executive Vice President and Director of Operations for
International SOS stated “the Russia/Ukraine conflict in addition to its significance
from a global geo-political perspective also highlighted the sheer scale of
vulnerability for Indian business and citizens with the advent of a new
environment witnessing significant mobility and expatriation driven by
commercial, scholastics and diplomatic drivers. Pre-emptive tactical
intelligence and analysis coupled with instituted capabilities for crisis
response and extraction have been reinforced as the anchors of managing risk amidst
the continued emergence of vulnerability in the world.”
Mehta added “The initiation of the above by organisations and continuous
learning and development initiatives for employees focussed on risk management
are critical. Organisations also need to ensure periodic re-assessment of
threats and linked mitigation specific to their business.”
Managing crisis management fatigue is key in moving from ‘perma-crisis’ to crisis resilience and organisations who effectively embedded learnings from the events of the last three years, particularly, the conflict in Ukraine, will emerge with more robust capabilities to manage challenges in the future.
Podcast series:
International SOS has released a podcast series to mark the one-year
milestone since the conflict in Ukraine started.
For further information, please
contact:
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About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity.
In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group,
headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 9,500 organisations,
including the majority of the Fortune Global 500 as well as mid-size enterprises,
governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. 13,000 multi-cultural
security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand by you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
To protect your workforce, we are at your
fingertips: www.internationalsos.com
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