Released in advance of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) expert panel meeting (Sept. 9, 2025) and second meeting of the IGWG (Sept. 15-19, 2025).
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We welcome the start of negotiations for a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS). Your work together in the months to come is essential to make the world safer for everyone.
The agreed timeline is tight to negotiate and adopt a PABS Annex at the next World Health Assembly. Progress will require focus. This starts with alignment during IGWG2 on core structure for the annex, as well as outlining priority themes for subsequent IGWG sessions to enable planning and preparation. We encourage Member States to tackle the toughest issues first so that there is time for meaningful expert consultation, member state and regional deliberations, and debate. Negotiations should build on the content of the Pandemic Agreement, and must not reopen issues where there has already been alignment.
We call for a process that systematically, meaningfully engages civil society and relevant stakeholders as experts, to reflect an inclusive, whole-of-society approach. We support an efficient negotiating timeline that is outcome oriented and has clear milestones for success. We welcome the approach of hosting informal sessions with experts, member states, and civil society ahead of each IGWG to help advance shared understanding and agreement. We also support a stocktake during the third or fourth IGWG to inform the approach in the months that follow and help drive alignment within the agreed timeline.
An equitable and effective PABS hinges on continued commitment and political will to find common ground for the global good. We urge negotiators to place a focus on equity for public health outcomes, and advance transparency for the sharing and access of pathogen information and benefits. We look forward to continued engagement, and offer our support to advance a meaningful outcome.
Signed:
Pandemic Action Network
Panel for a Global Public Health Convention
FOUR PAWS
Spark Street Advisors
Helen Clark, Co-Chair, The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response
Save the Children
