Delivered by Dr Michel Kazatchkine, Member of The Independent Panel
2 November 2026, Geneva
Good morning and greetings from The Independent Panel.
Next month marks seven years since the first reports of a novel pneumonia in Wuhan; we know too well the devastation that followed. Countries said never again and the Pandemic Agreement you negotiated is the foundation for that promise. We urge you again to finalise the PABS negotiations by the World Health Assembly in May.
Despite a challenging multilateral environment, the Political Declaration of the second High-Level Meeting on PPPR was adopted by an overwhelming majority. The adoption sends an important political signal on the timely conclusion of these PABS negotiations. We call on Member States to build on that commitment this week and in the months ahead.
If a reminder of the urgency were needed, the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak provides it. The outbreak shows why we urgently need full implementation of the Pandemic Agreement to close the gaps across prevention, preparedness and response.
We are encouraged to hear of the progress in the informal sessions and by Member States’ continued commitment to this process. We are all behind you and hope you can take decisive steps towards a successful conclusion of these negotiations in the next two weeks.
Thank you.
END.
Media enquiries: Secretariat@independentpanel.org