Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) have made significant headway this week in negotiations on a core element of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, marking another constructive step toward global solidarity against future pandemics.
At a resumed session of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the Pandemic Agreement, held from 20–22 January 2026, representatives continued text‑based discussions on outstanding issues within the draft annex relating to the Pathogen Access and Benefit‑Sharing (PABS) system. This system is central to the Agreement’s goal of facilitating transparent and equitable global sharing of pathogens, their genetic sequence information, and the benefits arising from their use—including vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
A Clear Focus on Common Ground
The IGWG session in Geneva built on previous rounds of negotiations by narrowing differences and pushing toward areas of consensus, according to delegates. Both bureau co‑chairs—Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes of Brazil and Mr Matthew Harpur of the United Kingdom—praised the constructive nature of the discussions and emphasised the importance of cooperation as Member States prepare for future talks.
“I am encouraged by the progress we have made in several areas, with signs of emerging consensus for some parts of the Pathogen Access and Benefit‑Sharing system,” said Ambassador Nunes, underscoring the diplomatic momentum achieved during the sessions.
Mr Harpur added that while significant work remains on complex topics, the shared commitment among countries offers optimism as negotiators look ahead to the next meeting.
Next Steps Toward Adoption and Implementation
Once the IGWG finalises its work on the PABS annex, the outcome will be submitted to the Seventy‑ninth World Health Assembly (WHA) scheduled for May 2026 for review and consideration. This next stage is crucial for advancing the Pandemic Agreement toward formal adoption and eventual ratification by WHO Member States.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director‑General, highlighted the importance of a robust PABS system, calling it “a cornerstone of a safer and more equitable world.” His remarks reflect the broader vision behind the Pandemic Agreement, which aims not only to prepare for future health emergencies but also to promote fairness in access to life‑saving medical supplies and technologies.
The pandemic agreement initiative was launched in response to the global challenges exposed by COVID‑19, including gaps in preparedness and stark inequities in access to essential health products. Once complete, the agreement will serve as a legally‑binding international instrument that strengthens cooperation on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response—a goal supported by WHO Member States over several years of negotiation.
Achieving consensus on complex mechanisms like PABS is widely seen as key to ensuring that future outbreaks are detected early and managed effectively across national borders, with benefits shared more equitably than in past global health emergencies.