International solidarity is key to beating the coronavirus

THE coronavirus pandemic presents an unprecedented challenge for all of us. We have been thrown into uncharted waters by a virus that knows no borders. Overnight, we have seen bustling airports come to a standstill, borders sealed, schools shut, families in lockdowns in their homes.

#StayatHome or #WorkfromHome have become top-trending hashtags and the new normal around the world. As we grapple with new realities personally and professionally, one thing is apparent - we are in this together.

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union (EU) Josep Borrell captured this well when he said "now is the time to show that solidarity is not an empty phrase". After a first phase of diverging national decisions, we are now entering a phase of convergence, in which the EU is taking centre stage.