The legacy of the SS Vega

The legacy of the SS Vega: Jersey’s Journey from aid recipients to humanitarian leaders

Marking the 80th anniversary of the SS Vega's arrival in Jersey, this unique event will explore how a lifeline of aid from countries like Switzerland, Canada, and Portugal helped sustain the island during WWII—and how Jersey has since transformed from an aid recipient into a force for global humanitarian support. Jersey was recently recognised by the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya, for its role in transitioning from "aid recipient to humanitarian leader". Ms Msuya praised Jersey’s "unwavering support", adding that “Jersey’s journey inspires us all.” Featuring a dynamic panel of international representatives and humanitarian experts, this thought-provoking discussion will bridge past and present, bringing history to life through archival footage, personal testimonies, and engaging debate.

The panel

David Peppiatt OBE - Director, British Red Cross

David has worked in the humanitarian sector for 30 years, starting as a Humanitarian Advisor with the British Red Cross (BRC), deploying to conflict zones and countries facing crisis. He has held senior roles, including Head of Humanitarian Policy and Executive Director of International Programmes. From 2017 to 2024, he led BRC’s Cash Hub, advancing global cash assistance efforts. In 2024, the Cash Hub received multi-year funding from JOA to support work in Asia, West Africa, and the Middle East. Now a Special Advisor on Red Cross Movement Affairs, he oversees key projects aligned with BRC’s International Strategy and the IFRC’s 2030 Strategy. In 2022, he was awarded an OBE for his contributions to humanitarian work.

Edward Lewis - Executive Director, Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA)

Edward has over 15 years managing development projects in the Middle East North and Sub-Saharan Africa for NGOs and international organisations including the UN. Since joining JOA in 2018, Ed has played a key role in developing JOA’s humanitarian portfolio, forging close relationships with partners including UN agencies and government donors, as well as identifying mechanisms that maximise JOA funds. He currently co-chairs a key humanitarian working group alongside the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Italy and has monitored humanitarian programmes in Ukraine, the Central African Republic and Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

Alberto Groff - Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of Switzerland in the United Kingdom

Mr Alberto Groff was appointed Minister and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in the United Kingdom in December 2024. He leads the Political, Legal and Communications Department and oversees the Economic, Finance, Science and Innovation Department. His diplomatic career has included postings in Tokyo, Vienna, Moscow, and Islamabad, where he also served as Special Envoy to Afghanistan. Mr Groff holds degrees from Georgetown University and Zurich University and speaks six languages.

Moderator - Emma Jowett - Independent Humanitarian Consultant

Emma Jowett has worked for 30 years in the humanitarian sector, on a wide range of thematic areas, and in a variety of emergency contexts. Emma is a strategic capacity building specialist, which involves assisting humanitarian agencies with strategic direction, supported by designing and implementing bespoke training programmes. Emma has more recently been specialising in developing and delivering training programmes in cash and voucher assistance (CVA), and protecting and rebuilding livestock and crop based livelihoods. The diversity of issues with which she has engaged has given her a unique insight into multiple disciplines, organisations and issues.