Dear readers,

Welcome to the final meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) at the World Health Organization (WHO). Today, we gather to discuss the progress made towards a global agreement on pandemic preparedness and response.

I want to express my gratitude to all the dedicated individuals, especially the Bureau members, who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this point. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I am encouraged by the revised draft of the negotiating text that reflects the progress made on various aspects of the agreement.

While there is consensus on the fundamental objectives of the agreement, such as the need for sustainable financing, equitable access, and private sector engagement, there are still critical areas where consensus has not been reached. The four subgroups working under the leadership of the vice-chairs have been tasked with finding solutions to these issues, and their work is reflected in the revised text.

It is crucial that we reach an agreement on how to achieve these objectives. The stakes are high, as failure to do so could leave the world vulnerable to the same shortcomings that plagued the global response to COVID-19. We cannot afford to repeat the cycle of panic and neglect that characterized the pandemic.

The lessons learned from the pandemic are still fresh in our minds – the lives lost, the economic devastation, the social and mental health impacts. We must not forget the trauma and pain that we have all experienced. This is a generational opportunity to shape a future where pandemics are met with decisive action and communities are protected.

I urge all of you to rise above your differences and come together in the spirit of cooperation and solidarity. The World Health Assembly is just nine weeks away, and there is still time to finalize negotiations for the agreement. As my friend from Indonesia said, a good agreement is when everyone is “slightly grumpy” with the outcome. We must all be prepared to compromise for the greater good.

There is no us and them in this fight against pandemics – only us, the world together, against the threat of future outbreaks. I am committed to supporting you in any way I can, and I am at your disposal 24/7 during these crucial weeks.

Thank you for your dedication to this process, and for your commitment to a safer world for future generations.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]