Global Pandemic, Rural Impacts: 
International Perspectives on Rural Responses to COVID-19

15 June 2021
11.00 am – 1.00 pm EDT | 5.00 – 7.00 pm CET

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for significant change at a rapid pace. Rural communities across the world have pivoted to address both the short-term and long-term implications for rural people, rural economies, and rural landscapes. This panel discussion examines four rural regions and their responses to COVID-19. Panelists share their experiences how their rural region was impacted by the pandemic, their responses, and their future directions. The discussion identifies the unequal impacts of the pandemic, the role of public policy, and what lessons can be shared to other rural regions.

Panelists

• COVID-19 Perspectives from Ireland
  Karen Keaveney, Head of Rural Development and Assistant Professor, University College of Dublin
• Closed borders and divided communities: Impacts of COVID-19 on Nordic border regions
  Mari Wøien Meijer, Research Fellow, Nordregio
• COVID-19 Responses and Recovery – Rural Canada Perspectives
  Ryan Gibson, Libro Professor of Regional Economic Development, University of Guelph
• Karen Refsgaard, Research Director and Deputy Director, Nordregio
  

Webinar Recording

Resources

• Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation’s Rural Insights on COVID-19 Series
• Closed Borders and Divided Communities: Status Report and Lessons from Covid-19 in Cross-Border Areas (Nordregio)
• COVID19 Island Insights Series
• Policy Implications of Coronavirus Crisis for Rural Development (OECD)
• Tackling coronavirus (COVID‑19): Getting it Right and Emerging Stronger (OECD)
• Closed Borders and Divided Communities: Status Report and Lessons from Covid-19 in cross-boarder areas
• Podcast (in «Swegian» [Swedish-Norwegian])
• Policy Brief:Nordic Border Communities in the time of Covid-19