From December 2–6, 2024, Geneva, Switzerland, will host the resumed session and drafting group of the Twelfth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), an essential step toward developing a global instrument for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. This hybrid event will blend open plenary discussions with closed substantive negotiations, reflecting the global urgency for a unified approach to combat future pandemics.
Background: A Unified Global Effort
The INB was established in December 2021 by the World Health Assembly, underscoring the need for a comprehensive international framework to address the vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the World Health Organization (WHO) Constitution, this body is tasked with drafting and negotiating a legally binding convention, agreement, or other instrument. The goal is to strengthen health systems worldwide, improve collaboration, and ensure equitable access to resources during public health crises.
The hybrid format of the meeting reflects the INB’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency, accommodating a wide range of stakeholders while maintaining focused negotiations among Member States and key decision-makers.
Structure of the Meeting
The meeting is structured to maximize efficiency and inclusivity:
Plenary Sessions (Open):
Scheduled for December 2 and 6, these sessions will be webcast live and archived for global accessibility. WHO Member States, Associate Members, Observers, regional economic integration organizations, and relevant stakeholders including civil society groups and health experts will participate.
Stakeholder Updates (Daily):
Each day will begin with a brief open session where stakeholders can provide insights and updates on relevant articles. These discussions ensure diverse perspectives inform the drafting process, particularly regarding the equitable distribution of vaccines, medical supplies, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms.
Closed Negotiations:
The core of the meeting involves closed sessions dedicated to substantive negotiations. Here, Member States will work intensively to refine the draft text of the pandemic agreement, addressing contentious issues such as funding mechanisms, intellectual property rights, and the role of surveillance systems.
Key Topics and Challenges
The resumed session comes at a critical juncture, as global health systems face mounting pressure from emerging health threats. Key topics likely to dominate discussions include:
- Equitable Access to Resources:
Lessons from COVID-19 highlighted stark disparities in vaccine distribution. Negotiations will focus on mechanisms to ensure fair access to medical countermeasures during pandemics. - Funding and Resource Allocation:
Developing sustainable funding streams for global health initiatives remains a challenge. Member States will explore innovative solutions, including public-private partnerships and contributions from high-income countries. - Strengthening Surveillance and Reporting:
Robust systems for monitoring and responding to emerging threats are essential. Negotiators will discuss enhancing the International Health Regulations (IHR) and creating a unified data-sharing platform. - Balancing Sovereignty and Global Governance:
While global cooperation is critical, ensuring respect for national sovereignty is equally important. Striking this balance will be pivotal to achieving consensus.
The Path Forward
The outcomes of the twelfth meeting of the INB will set the tone for future global health governance. By fostering collaboration and addressing systemic gaps, the INB aims to create a resilient framework that prepares the world for future pandemics.
Stakeholders and observers are encouraged to engage with the open sessions, emphasizing the collective nature of this endeavor. As the world watches, the INB meeting stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy in safeguarding global health.
