"Covid 19 - priorities for the Middle East", Virtual Workshop, 2nd April 2020

On the 2nd of April the Helsinki Policy Forum brought together members of its network to deepen the dialogue on how to meet the challenges presented by Covid 19 in the Middle East. Participants included government officials, former ministers and parliamentarians from Finland, Germany, the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), Iran, Sweden, Turkey, UK and UAE.Pandemics are global in nature but, thus far, much of the response to Covid-19 has been local or regional. Facing an era-defining challenge, policymakers need to rapidly develop their capacity to work collectively and collaboratively. This must be shaped by the insight that presence of the virus in one part of the world is a threat to the security of all. Ultimately, the world’s defence against Covid 19 will only ever be as strong as its weakest link.The Middle East faces particular challenges in fighting Covid 19 due to the number of conflicts, fragile states and displaced populations. These risks cannot be under estimated. Covid 19 could devastate the region – killing hundreds of thousands, sparking economic collapse, and thus the return of mass protests. This shared challenge must focus minds.Leaders in the region need to find ways to urgently co-operate and ensure the free-flow of accurate information. A further priority could be to support the call of the United Nation Secretary General for a global ceasefire, exerting pressure on all parties in conflict to at least temporarily pause fighting to allow a more effective humanitarian response.