*GHL 02 – Pandemic Agreement Negotiations: Key Insights Gained

The negotiation process on an international pandemic agreement between the 194 World Health Organization (WHO) member states, which has been extended until May 2025, is one of the most controversial and polarized negotiation processes in the field of global health in recent years. Not only the divergent interests of the member states but also the strong politicization by ongoing geopolitical conflicts characterize the process.

In this session, we will critically review the negotiation process, including hurdles and breakthroughs. With a view to the continuation of the negotiations, we will place a focus on particularly contentious issues such as the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) System. Moreover, we will jointly discuss strategies on how to improve multilateral negotiation processes in general, including reflecting on the barriers to progress. By drawing concrete conclusions, we seek to be better prepared for the next months of negotiations, but also for future processes in global health.