WHO welcomes adoption of United Nations political declaration on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response

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.

The UNGA Political Declaration sets out a clear agenda to strengthen global health security. Key priorities include enhancing monitoring systems, investing in national capacities, and implementing the amended International Health Regulations (2005). The Declaration also calls for empowering communities, ensuring timely access to pathogens and equitable benefit-sharing, expanding local and regional manufacturing and research and development capacity, and securing sustainable financing. These actions combined will inevitably bolster international cooperation and result in greater solidarity and equity.

About WHO

Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, WHO leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere, an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the United Nations’ agency for health that connects nations, partners and people in more than 150 locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to support all countries to promote, provide and protect health. “Together for health. Stand with science”, the theme of World Health Day 2026, marks a year-long campaign to highlight science as the foundation for protecting health and well-being worldwide.