Pandemics are complex events requiring a coordinated, global response. The response to the pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in system preparedness. Lessons arising from the COVID-19 pandemic are characterized by four broad themes: (i) investment in public health and health infrastructure, (ii) countermeasures (medical and non-medical), (iii) risk communication and public health measures and (iv) investment in people and partnerships. Learning from the COVID-19 pandemic identifies an approach that focusses on capacities and capabilities that are pathogen agnostic, ensuring that we can respond to diverse emerging infectious disease threats will be essential. The lessons learned from previous and ongoing infectious disease outbreaks should be kept under constant review, in line with technological and scientific advances, to improve our ability to detect, mitigate and respond to new and emerging threats.