On this page you will find links to news releases and statements issued by the Co-Chairs and The Independent Panel, from the first announcements in 2020 until today.
List of news stories
UN Global Risk Report Highlights Pandemic and Biorisk Vulnerabilities and the Benefits to Addressing Them
The inaugural UN Global Risk Report underscores that the world remains vulnerable to pandemics, together with biorisks and other interconnected factors including mis- and disinformation. The Independent Panel for…
Advancing the Global Agenda for Pandemic Risk Assessment (June 2025)
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Helen Clark Applaud Historic Pandemic Agreement
Starting today, the agreement must become the foundation for a safer world 20 May 2025 Geneva: Today the Co-Chairs of The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response applaud the…
Pandemic Readiness in an Uncertain World – a set of four policy briefs
Actions for leadership, finance, access and insight May 2025 This set of four policy briefs from the Co-Chairs of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, sets out a…
The Changing Face of Global Health (April 2025)
Global Collaboration is the Only Way to Manage Pandemic Threats
A US exit from the World Health Organization will undermine the capacity of the US and the world to be prepared and able to respond to health emergencies A Statement…
Joint Statement to 10th meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body
As H5N1 and MPOX Raise Alarm, Leaders Are Gambling Through Neglect of Pandemic Preparedness
Urgent implementation of the amended International Health Regulations can improve outbreak prevention, alert and response including with the new focus on equity and finance
WHO Member States must now maintain the momentum and adopt an effective pandemic agreement as soon as possible 1 June 2024The former Co-Chairs, active members and advisors to The Independent…
World Health Assembly: Reset the INB process to negotiate a successful pandemic agreement in 2024
Co-Chairs and members of former The Independent Panel call also for amended International Health Regulations to be adopted this week; and for immediate investment today to make the world safer…
An Urgent Letter on Governance of the Pandemic Agreement
INB9 – Submission by the Right Honourable Helen Clark
Relevant Stakeholder under “Annex E” and Co-Chair of The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and ResponseOn the draft Negotiating Text presented for INB9 (March 18 – 28 2024) As WHO…
A Joint Letter to all WHO Member States: Now is the time to agree on a pandemic accord which safeguards everyone from pandemic threats
Access to countermeasures, finance, and independent monitoring are essential for success Signed by Former Co-Chairs and Members of The Independent Panel, the Chair and Members of The Elders, principals of…
The Rt. Hon. Helen Clark’s remarks to the UNGA High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response
Helen Clark spoke in the opening segment as an eminent high-level champion 20 September 2023 Excellencies, Let me congratulate the General Assembly on coming together in this High-Level Meeting on Pandemic…
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Helen Clark open letter to leaders and decision-makers responsible for the Political Declaration to be agreed for the 20 September UNGA High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response
Express grave concern the opportunity is being wasted 9 July 2023 We write, with bluntness and urgency, as we are gravely concerned that the opportunity presented by the High-Level Meeting…
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Helen Clark Call on G7 Leaders to Make Specific Commitments to Make COVID-19 the Last Pandemic
Leaders’ actions between health emergencies have direct impact on response to next pandemic threat 18 May 2023 As G7 leaders meet in the coming days, we call on leaders at the…
Dr. Joanne Liu addresses the Multi-stakeholder Hearings for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response on behalf of the former Co-Chairs
9 May 2023 Good morning. My name is Dr. Joanne Liu. In September 2014, here at the UN I appealed for a global response to the Ebola outbreak in…
No more neglect: It’s time for leaders to protect the world from pandemic threats
A Statement from H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Rt Hon. Helen Clark on the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern The COVID-19 global emergency has…
The UNGA has the Opportunity to make Bold Political Choices to Protect the World Against Pandemic Threats
Must consider six essential areas: political leadership, international rules, sustained financing, equitable countermeasures, an authoritative WHO, independent monitoring As global efforts to ensure pandemic readiness and response enter a critical…
RH Helen Clark statement to the 4th meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body
HE Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: statement at the US-Africa Leaders Summit
The Rt. Hon. Helen Clark’s closing statement at “Investing in Health For All”
Helen Clark, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf welcome UNGA resolution calling for a high-level meeting for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response
Co-Chairs of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response say UNGA political declaration is required to help bring necessary cohesion to system transformation 2 September 2022 We welcome the…
Comment on the World Bank’s White Paper on a Financial Intermediary Fund (FIF) for Pandemic Prevention Preparedness and Response
Submitted to the World Bank FIF White Paper consultation process by the Co-Chairs and former members of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response and its Secretariat 1 June…