WHO member States Convene ⁢Historic First ⁣Meeting on Pandemic Agreement Implementation

Geneva,Switzerland – In a‍ pivotal moment for global health security,World Health Institution (WHO) Member States have concluded the⁤ inaugural meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the WHO Pandemic agreement. This landmark gathering, held from July 9-10, 2025, marks the formal commencement of ⁤efforts to translate the recently adopted legal instrument into tangible actions that will fortify the world against future pandemics.

Breathing Life⁣ into a Historic Accord: The IGWG’s Mandate

The first meeting of the IGWG, guided by the Bureau comprising Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes of Brazil and Mr.‍ Matthew harpur of the united Kingdom,signifies a critical step in the ongoing⁤ global endeavor ⁣to enhance pandemic prevention,preparedness,and response capabilities. This crucial work follows the World Health Assembly’s momentous adoption ⁤of the WHO Pandemic Agreement on May 20,2025,a testament to the collective will of ‍nations⁣ to forge a more resilient global health architecture.

Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes underscored the importance of this⁤ phase, stating, “Through the WHO Pandemic Agreement, countries ⁣recognized that global ⁢collaboration and action, based on equity, are essential for protecting peopel⁤ from future pandemics. Now, through the ⁢IGWG, countries are breathing life into the Agreement by establishing the way forward to implement the agreement’s life-saving provisions.”

Key Focus Areas: PABS and beyond

A ⁢primary objective of the ‍IGWG is the negotiation of an annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement specifically addressing Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS). this PABS system is designed to establish a framework for safe, transparent, and accountable access to and benefit-sharing from pathogen samples and their associated genetic sequence information. ⁢The outcomes of the IGWG’s deliberations on the PABS annex are slated for submission to the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in 2026 for formal consideration.

Beyond the critical PABS negotiations,the IGWG is tasked with addressing procedural matters essential for the effective functioning of the future Conference of the Parties to the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Furthermore, the ⁣group will develop a proposal for the terms of reference for the Coordinating Financial Mechanism, a ⁤vital component for ensuring equitable resource allocation ⁣and support for pandemic preparedness and response‍ efforts worldwide.

A Foundation of Collaboration and commitment

Mr. Matthew Harpur, co-chair of the IGWG Bureau, expressed optimism regarding the collaborative spirit demonstrated by WHO Member ⁣States.”Global collaboration is the foundation of an effective response to global threats,” mr. Harpur remarked. “I am encouraged by the commitment shown by WHO Member States during the first IGWG to work together to protect their citizens, and those of ‍all othre countries.”

The inaugural⁢ meeting successfully established the IGWG’s working methods,outlined a timeline of activities leading up ⁢to the next World Health assembly,and defined the modalities for engaging with relevant stakeholders. ⁢Key leadership roles were also filled with the election of co-chairs and vice-chairs to steer the IGWG process. The group also committed to identifying experts to provide crucial input on the PABS annex and plans to hold an informal briefing prior to its second meeting, scheduled for September⁣ 15-19, 2025. This series of meetings and consultations underscores the urgent and dedicated global effort to build a robust and equitable framework for pandemic preparedness.