WHO Member States Launch Next Phase of Pandemic Preparedness with Landmark Agreement

Geneva, July 11, 2025 — In a significant step toward global health security, WHO Member States convened their first Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) meeting this week to advance the implementation of the recently adopted WHO Pandemic Agreement. The meeting, held from July 9-10, marked the formal beginning of efforts to operationalize key provisions of the historic accord, which was endorsed by the World Health Assembly on May 20, 2025.

Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes of Brazil, co-chair of the IGWG Bureau, emphasized the importance of this milestone, calling it “a critical moment in the global effort to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.” He highlighted that the agreement is rooted in the principle that global collaboration and equity are essential to protecting populations from future pandemics.

A central focus of the IGWG’s mandate is the drafting and negotiation of an annex on Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS). This system aims to ensure safe, transparent, and accountable access to pathogen materials and genetic sequence information, while also facilitating fair benefit-sharing among nations. The outcome of these negotiations is expected to be presented to the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in 2026 for further consideration.

In addition to the PABS annex, the IGWG is tasked with addressing procedural matters, preparing for the future Conference of the Parties to the agreement, and developing terms of reference for a Coordinating Financial Mechanism. The group also adopted its working methods, timeline, and stakeholder engagement strategy, and elected its leadership team during this inaugural session. The next IGWG meeting is scheduled for September 15-19, 2025, with plans to consult external experts and possibly hold an informal briefing beforehand.

Mr. Matthew Harpur of the United Kingdom, fellow co-chair, expressed optimism about the collaborative spirit displayed by member states. “Global collaboration is the foundation of an effective response to global threats,” he stated, underscoring the shared commitment to safeguarding citizens worldwide.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on information published by the World Health Organization on July 10, 2025. The details provided reflect the status and statements as of that date, and further developments may occur as the implementation process continues.