On 23 June 2021, Southern Voice and the Institute of Development Studies co-hosted an online dialogue which aimed to enhance efforts to inform and influence policy by sharing learning between CORE projects, at different stages in their policy engagement activities, on their approaches and experiences at sub-national, national, and regional levels. The event was attended by over 70 participants from across the CORE cohort and highlighted the experiences of CORE partners, Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP), International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW), and Group for the Analysis of Development (GRADE). This learning guide captures the practical insights and advice from the event to help inform the practice of both participants and other projects across the portfolio. The guide is structured around the key challenges identified in influencing policy, particularly within the changing parameters of the current pandemic, highlighting key messages and examples from the three partners.International Development Research Centre (IDRC)IDRC | CRDI