Released in advance of the Third Meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) (Nov 3-7, 2025).
___
We welcome the start of text-based negotiations for the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) Annex to the Pandemic Agreement and recognise the determined work of the Bureau in preparing the draft text for IGWG 3. This is a starting point for negotiations and a critical step to keep up momentum and conclude negotiations before the World Health Assembly next year.
A final document must fully operationalise Article 12 of the Pandemic Agreement, with the core goals of scientific exchange, equity, and access for all. To be effective, the PABS Annex must create legal certainty for benefit sharing, include clear definitions and operational details, and provide room for adjustment and improvement over time, based on real-world experience and simulations. More details are needed to advance the agreed benefit of 20% real time production of safe, quality and effective countermeasures as well as essential elements like scientific collaboration, non-exclusive licenses, and technology and knowledge transfer. Further refinement and clarity are also needed on timelines, traceability mechanisms, and accountability measures to uphold fairness, transparency, and equity in structure and operation.
We also call for strengthened opportunities for civil society and relevant stakeholder engagement in the IGWG process. Meaningful and active participation, including drawing on the experience of all actors who will ultimately use the PABS system, brings in diverse expertise to advance a practical and implementable system, helps advance shared understanding and agreement around priorities, and demonstrates Member State commitment to an inclusive, multisectoral whole-of-society approach to pandemic PPR.
We encourage ongoing determination from Member States to find common ground and deliver an equitable and effective system for pandemic countermeasures that makes the world safer for everyone. We want to see a successful outcome in May that can be celebrated and cemented at the 2026 UN High-level Meeting for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response.
Signed:
Pandemic Action Network
Panel for a Global Public Health Convention
Helen Clark, Co-Chair, The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response
Spark Street Advisors
Save the Children
FOUR PAWS
