英国发展研究所-变革的故事：新冠肺炎应对公平（英）-2023-24页_2mb

Overview of the Covid-19 Responses for Equity (CORE) initiative describes it as a three-year, CAD 25 million rapid research project funded by the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC). It involved 20 research projects across 42 countries, focusing on understanding the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, improving policy responses, and generating evidence for recovery. The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) supported knowledge translation, and the report celebrates the impact of this research through "Stories of Change," highlighting seven case studies that influenced policy, practice, and understanding during the crisis.

Key lessons emphasize the importance of organizational reputation, co-designing research with decision-makers, maintaining a critical position, understanding political contexts, balancing research rigor with timeliness, and providing flexible funding for local teams to respond effectively to emergencies. The success hinged on local teams bringing hyper-local knowledge and real-time evidence, ensuring vulnerable and marginalized groups were included in policy discussions.

Main themes addressed by CORE research include macroeconomic policies for support and recovery (e.g., tax relief for specific sectors, which boosted GDP and reduced consumer prices) and promoting democratic governance (e.g., accountability and social inclusion). The pandemic deepened existing vulnerabilities, and responses focused on equitable outcomes, especially for women, informal workers, and youth.

Key case studies summarized include:

• Fiscal policy in Pakistan: showed that targeted tax and subsidy reforms improved economic growth and social protection during the pandemic.
• Food systems in Peru: community-led kitchens and digital tools enhanced food security and market resilience.
• Pakistan food security: a data portal provided timely information for decision-making.
• Colombia farming: participatory research supported smallholder farmers and women through rural dialogue groups.
• India street vendors: research highlighted gender-specific challenges, leading to better advocacy and inclusion.
• Senegal waste management: waste pickers advocated for just transitions, influencing national policies.
• Youth engagement in Africa: training programs promoted meaningful youth participation in governance and social accountability.

Overall impact demonstrates the value of locally-led research with international support for generating real-time evidence in emergencies. This initiative informed future rapid response policies and emphasized the need for sustained investment in equitable recovery strategies.

Lessons for future research include leveraging local expertise, building coalitions with governments and civil society, and ensuring evidence is accessible and actionable for timely policy changes. The pandemic response underscored trade-offs between research speed and rigor, the relevance of gendered data, and the importance of inclusive dialogue to address inequalities.

By providing actionable insights, CORE contributed to global efforts for more equitable and resilient post-pandemic recovery, with long-term implications for crisis response frameworks.