The COVID-19 crisis has put many countries around the world in difficult situations and has exacerbated problems across the board and in almost all sectors and thematic areas. Tackling this multifaceted crisis requires joint and comprehensive action. Coordination, solidarity and sharing of best practices are essential to deal with the social and economic consequences of the crisis.

While governments all over the world have done their best to deal with the crisis, the efficacy of their actions would be strengthened considerably by coordinating with neighboring countries. At this critical time, they need to re-orient their regional cooperation and integration (RCI) strategies as global and regional development institutions are expected to play an intermediary role in facilitating coordination between countries and global policy and financing actors Therefore, countries need stronger RCI mechanisms for effective and sustainable recovery from the pandemic and to strengthen their resilience for future possible crises.