The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) commends the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement by the World Health Assembly on 20 May 2025.
Three years ago, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO Member States agreed to negotiate a convention, agreement or other international instrument under the WHO Constitution to strengthen pandemic preparedness, prevention and response, through an Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB).
The adoption of the pandemic agreement adds a fundamental instrument and step forward in strengthening the global health architecture, following the adoption of a package of amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) last year.
“The WHO Pandemic Agreement makes us better equipped to face pandemic risks. It is an important legacy for future generations,” said HE Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, GPMB Co-Chair and Former President of Croatia.
WHO Member States also agreed to develop the annex of the agreement, which aims to define a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS). In the coming months, an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) will be convened to pursue negotiations on this matter.
Since the beginning of the pandemic agreement’s proceedings, the GPMB advocated for continued investments in global preparedness, while emphasizing the need to translate the principle of equity into policy practices. The GPMB convened multisectoral dialogues in the context of the INB, including on the PABS.
As negotiations continue on the latter, the GPMB urges Member States to maintain the spirit of dialogue and collaboration, building on the momentum of the agreement’s adoption. It will be equally essential to craft a PABS system that is actionable and provides legal certainty, while strongly anchored in the principle of equity. As other partners have expressed in a joint statement, it is critical to turn the promise of pandemic agreement into reality.
“This is an important milestone. Equipping the world with a global system for pathogen-sharing is the next key step to ensure better and equitable access to medical countermeasures. The GPMB remains committed to contribute to this process”, said Joy Phumaphi, GPMB Co-Chair and Former Minister of Health of Botswana.
The result of this process will be considered at the Seventy-Ninth session of the World Health Assembly. Once the Assembly adopts the PABS annex, Pandemic Agreement will be open for signature and consideration of ratification.