As the world continues to reckon with the far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the launch of the Strategic Joint Evaluation of the Collective International Development and Humanitarian Assistance Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic offered (AB: remove the hyperlink from “offered”) a critical moment of reflection – and a renewed call to action. The event brought together global partners to confront a simple truth: the next pandemic is not a question of if, but when. What the world chooses to do now will determine how prepared we are when that moment comes. 

Against this backdrop, WHO emphasized the importance of translating the hard-earned lessons of COVID-19 into stronger systems, smarter cooperation, and faster, more equitable response mechanisms. With 194 Member States currently negotiating the final annex of the WHO Pandemic Agreement – focused on pathogen access and benefit sharing – WHO urged governments to seize next week’s discussions as a pivotal opportunity to move this crucial piece forward. Global unity, the Organization stressed, remains the backbone of effective preparedness.