According to a new Gates Foundation Report, the global pandemic has set the developing world back 25 years in just 25 weeks. Access to emerging vaccines will be critical in reversing that slide.

After decades of reduced spending on overseas aid, the Morrison Government has committed over $1.1 billion to regional vaccination and Covid recovery programs, recognising when it comes to the pandemic Australia is not an island.

Now the challenge is to ensure the funding delivers public health on the ground, so the region can reconnect and drive economic recovery in tourism, agriculture and education.

Join Guardian Australia’s Ben Doherty in conversation with ResultsAustralia CEO Negaya Chorley, public health pioneer Bill Bowtell and, from Delhi, Dr Bobby John to discuss how this commitment can permanently shift the needle when it comes to Australia’s place in the region.

Kate Reagh and April Wong from MinterEllison will also join the panel to discuss the legal breakthroughs achieved through HIV advocacy and lessons for COVID-19.