29 March 2024
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) concluded the final two weeks of #PandemicAccord negotiations. The WHO Director General expressed gratitude for progress, called negotiations "challenging and complex," and reiterated the May deadline.
The Bureau's co-chairs then explained the path ahead. The 9th INB meeting will resume from 28 April to 10 May. A stocktaking is set for 3 May, and substantive negotiations are planned to be finalized by 5 May.
An updated and streamlined negotiating text will be distributed to the Member States and stakeholders by 18 April followed by the text of a proposed draft World Health Assembly Resolution (date of distribution TBC but before 29 April).
The new negotiating text will build on the current one, with less detail and focusing on areas where consensus has already been identified. Member States will be able to propose textual edits and the "resumed INB9" will include formal and structured informal meetings, with no more than two meetings scheduled concurrently.
Collaboration with the International Health Regulations working group (#WGIHR) and intercessional work will continue prior to the resumed meeting, with a schedule to be circulated by the Bureau (timing TBC).
Before the closing, a few Member States spoke out. On behalf of the Group for Equity, Indonesia noted substantial progress but significant work ahead. They reiterated that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed" and pointed to remaining "red lines," including on issues related to diversification of production (Article 10), equitable allocation (Article 13), public funding conditionalities (Articles 9 and 11), care workers (Article 7), and equitable, fair, and rapid sharing of pathogens (Article 12).
The Philippines requested solidarity. Mexico noted concern with limited progress. Columbia pointed out barriers to success, including changing modalities and a complex document. And Switzerland welcomed the timetable leading to WHA.
The meeting closed without fanfare, and a difficult road ahead.
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