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In the context of the twin shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 La Soufriere volcano eruption in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, USAID/ESC faced the challenge of limited coordination and information sharing among stakeholders. This hindered effective resource allocation and progress towards sustainable development goals. To address this challenge, USAID/ESC, with Bixal Solutions Inc. as a prime contractor for its MELSA platform, implemented a Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) approach, aiming to promote joint learning opportunities with its key external partner and strengthen those relationships by fostering trust. By utilizing a combination of CLA subcomponents, including conducting joint events with one of USAID’s key external stakeholders to identify risks and opportunities in the aftermath of COVID-19, and build trusting relationships and expanding joint networks. As a result of our CLA approach, USAID achieved joint learning between its staff and OECS, enhanced personal relationships that have made communication more efficient, and increased knowledge exchange and deep insights on mutual topics, leading to tangible improvements in development outcomes and organizational effectiveness.