The first day of the 9th “Intergovernmental Negotiation Body (INB) to Draft and Negotiate a WHO Convention, Agreement, or Other International Instrument on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response” commenced on March 25, 2024, in Geneva. Despite adjusting to the time difference and Geneva’s chilly sub-5°C temperature after arriving from Jakarta, Indonesia’s representative joined delegates from dozens of countries in discussing a comprehensive draft of 37 articles and hundreds of paragraphs on strengthening pandemic readiness. This document covers preventive measures, surveillance, One Health approaches, healthcare workforce support, and research and development, aiming to equip the world better for future pandemics.
In this final INB meeting, participants engaged in detailed debates on logistics, surveillance, management, liability, public communication, funding continuity, and whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attended sessions, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive response. Discussions will intensify in the coming days as the INB strives for consensus on each article before the document’s submission to the World Health Assembly in May.
Indonesia’s intervention included advocating for robust international research and development, upholding equality among nations, and reinforcing national coordination in global collaboration.
In addition to the official agenda, side meetings addressed issues like “Access and Benefit Sharing” (ABS), proposing fair access to diagnostic tools, vaccines, and treatments for all countries during pandemics. This aligns with equitable treatment principles, ensuring each nation is better prepared and supported in future pandemics.
Despite the demanding schedule, the Indonesian delegate found a moment to break fast with a turkey sandwich and vegetarian snacks at the WHO office, missing the comfort of homemade rendang but grateful nonetheless. This meeting, with its focus on global solidarity, aims to improve pandemic response systems worldwide, aspiring to build on lessons learned from the COVID-19 experience.
Date: March 25, 2024
Location: WHO Headquarters, Geneva
Organizing Unit: WHO Intergovernmental Negotiation Body (INB)
Event Duration: Daily, 9 a.m.–10 p.m. (4 a.m. Jakarta Time)
Representative: Indonesian Delegation
