The world learned through the COVID-19 pandemic that deadly pathogens can arise anywhere, and we must be prepared to cooperate, respond, and take action everywhere. 

Our world is facing a range of concurrent crises, including climate emergencies and deadly conflicts. Leaders have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to safeguard our world against the worst consequences of pandemics. To do that, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body process aims to negotiate a meaningful, ambitious, and accountable pandemic accord that goes beyond business as usual.

Pandemic Action Network is standing alongside partners at The Elders, The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board, The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, The Panel for a Global Public Health Convention, and Spark Street Advisors for the first time to urge leaders to ensure an effective, legally-binding pandemic accord. Safeguarding our world against the worst consequences of pandemics is simply too important, and this historic moment cannot be missed. 

Leaders must urgently step up to make decisions for an effective accord with three underpinning core provisions:  

• Equitable Access. Every region must have the capacities to research, develop, manufacture, and distribute lifesaving tools like vaccines, tests, and treatments. Technology and knowledge transfer, combined with domestic, regional, and global support for research, development, and manufacturing hubs will make every region and the world safer. 

• Financing. The accord must commit to a pathway for sustained pandemic preparedness and response funding. Funding includes, but is not limited to, the US$10.5 billion per year needed to fully finance the Pandemic Fund, and financing must also include ambitious increases in domestic financing for pandemic PPR, R&D funding, surge financing as well as financing for social and economic protection.
• Accountability. Independent monitoring must be a key outcome of the accord — both to  ensure that the global status of pandemic preparedness across all countries, stakeholders, and sectors is monitored and reported to guide evidence-based decisions; and that countries are complying with the provisions of the accord. 

Read the full letter.