Universities across the world have faced enormous disruption as a result of the pandemic, with those that can, forced to move their activities online. This rapid shift has particular significance in a Commonwealth context, where stark disparities in internet connectivity and infrastructure persist -- and for Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) member universities, two thirds of which are in low-and middle-income countries. These divides laid bare by the pandemic are a major obstacle in the drive for inclusive and equitable access to higher education. Although the pandemic had a hugely negative impact on higher education internationalisation, which in turn stalled programmes and reduced revenue streams of sectors of the economy that depended on these, it also showed the urgent and most critical need for international collaboration. The development of interdisciplinary research collaborations can support countries to vigorously respond to the shared challenges affecting the development of Commonwealth nations, collaboratively, on all areas. Following a consultation of Commonwealth higher education stakeholders, the following recommendations are made to Commonwealth Education Ministers: (1) Widen access to higher education and lifelong learning; and (2) Increase funding for higher education.