The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes today’s adoption by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) of the Political declaration on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (PPPR). The Declaration provides a strong reaffirmation of the global solidarity and commitment needed to protect future generations from the devastating impacts of pandemics.
“WHO welcomes this strong commitment by UN Member States to continue working together on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The world has come a long way since COVID-19. We urge countries to now fulfil the commitments they have made – especially to finalize negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS) annex, so the WHO Pandemic Agreement can be opened for signature, begin the process of ratification and enter into force as international law.”
Member States considered the Declaration during the second UNGA High-level Meeting on PPPR on 25 September 2026 and referred it to the full General Assembly for today's adoption.
Building on important research and coordination advances made since the COVID-19 pandemic, including the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the UNGA Declaration calls for sustained investment and action to strengthen national, regional and global capacities to prevent, detect and respond to pandemic threats.
The Declaration underscores the need for a holistic approach that treats pandemic preparedness as a health issue, development, economic and security imperative requiring coordinated action across sectors.
Members States particularly highlighted the urgent need to conclude negotiations on the PABS Annex as a key component of the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The outcome of the PABS negotiations will be considered at the next World Health Assembly in May 2027 or earlier through a special session of the Assembly. Its adoption would enable the Pandemic Agreement to enter into force and help deliver a more equitable, coordinated and effective global response to future pandemic threats.
