The Border Is Not the Boundary: Cross-Border Surveillance and Regional Preparedness in MENA is the first virtual panel in the Preparedness Beyond Borders series, organized by the Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Program (EPaPP) at the Global Health Institute (GHI) at the American University of Beirut (AUB). The session brings together policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to explore the critical role of cross-border surveillance and regional coordination in strengthening epidemic preparedness across the MENA region. Through expert insights and discussion, the panel will examine current challenges, identify coordination gaps, and highlight practical opportunities to enhance collaborative surveillance systems beyond national borders.