The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the critical nature of effectively addressing state fragility. The goal is well known: forge pathways to self-reliance by building state institutional capacity and delivering inclusive social, economic and security outcomes for citizens. But an implementation gap remains. Building on ISE’s Re-examining the Terms of Aid report, this piece outlines current thinking on the imperative of addressing state fragility during the coronavirus pandemic and suggests pathways for the international community to turn its promises into practice.