The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the PRET initiative (Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats) to help countries better prepare for future pandemics. PRET focuses on improving planning for disease outbreaks by using a “mode of transmission lens” and builds on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other health emergencies. Its initial focus is on respiratory pathogens, with the first module aimed at guiding global, regional, and national stakeholders in pandemic preparedness for respiratory diseases. A global meeting held from 24-26 April 2023 gathered over 120 participants, including WHO members and partners, to promote political support, align stakeholders on the PRET approach, and launch the first module on respiratory pathogen preparedness. The event featured discussions, presentations, and a forecasting exercise, with the goal of creating a roadmap for global preparedness. This initiative aims to drive action for better pandemic preparedness worldwide.