Call for Blog Contributions: Regional Dimension of the COVID-19 Response

We are living through an unprecedented event in modern times. As borders close around the world, education and work move online, and millions are confined to their homes, it's clear the rigid structures that governed society have become fluid. Questions are beginning to arise as to what could have been done differently, and what lessons can be learned from the initial responses, at all levels of governance.

Despite the fact we remain in the early stages of the global fight against COVID-19, we can already begin a period of great reflection, examining the successes and failures in the crucial first few weeks and months. With the responses in the early stages of the fight against COVID-19 coming overwhelmingly from the national level, there have been questions asked about the efficacy of regional organisations to fight such a threat - particularly, and perhaps ironically, one that knows and respects no borders. 

UNU-CRIS wants to play a vital role in this discussion, facilitating views, research, and opinions on what lessons can be drawn from COVID-19, and epidemics of the past, for regional governance. To do so, we are looking for contributions to our Connecting Ideas blog series on all fronts relating to regional governance and COVID-19, seeking answers to questions such as:

  • Why should these infectious disease risks be tackled regionally (i.e. transborder)?

  • What is the cost of non-cooperation?

  • Which governance mechanisms do we need for this?

  • What role should regional organisations across the globe play?

  • Which resources should be mobilized regionally?

  • What are the implications of COVID-19 for regional cooperation and integration more generally?

  • Will regions be prepared for the next health crisis?

We want to provide a central place and platform for these debates, and all dimensions are important, be they political, economic, legal, medical, social, or otherwise. We call for academics, policymakers, professionals, concerned citizens - all those that wish to be a part of the discussion that will shape the ongoing regional response to COVID-19 and future epidemics - to contribute and share their views, observations and research.

We are flexible on the length of contributions but would prefer they be between 600-1000 words, with all referencing through in-text hyperlinks. To ensure this debate extends globally, we welcome translations of pieces originally published in other languages. 

 

To contribute, please send your ideas to pdelombaerde@cris.unu.edu and adunn@cris.unu.edu

Take a look at previous contributions now on our Connecting Ideas homepage.