Today, a coalition of over 100 global leaders, including 23 former national Presidents, 22 former Prime Ministers, a former UN General Secretary, and 3 Nobel Laureates, has issued an urgent plea for governments worldwide to swiftly reach an ambitious and equitable international agreement aimed at preparing for and preventing future pandemics.

Led by luminaries such as former UN General Secretary Ban-ki Moon, New Zealand’s former Prime Minister Helen Clark, former UK Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair, and former Presidents from various countries, this collective push comes amidst ongoing negotiations among 194 nations to establish the world’s first-ever Pandemic Accord under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO).

In a joint open letter, the leaders emphasized the critical need for a global pact on pandemics to safeguard future generations from crises akin to the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed millions of lives and inflicted widespread social and economic devastation. They underscored the imperative of robust international collaboration, citing the inadequacy of past efforts.

Negotiations for the Pandemic Accord commenced in December 2021, with a deadline set for May 2024. As the ninth round of negotiations unfolds, signatories of the letter are urging all nations involved to uphold their commitment and finalize the accord by the intended deadline, enabling ratification at the May 2024 World Health Assembly.

Amid concerns of misinformation campaigns targeting the WHO and fears of encroachment on national sovereignty, the leaders urged negotiators to redouble their efforts and not veer off course. They clarified that participation in the accord would be voluntary, emphasizing the immense benefits it would yield, including enhanced pathogen detection, information sharing, and equitable distribution of essential medical resources.

The letter also called for concerted efforts to combat falsehoods surrounding the accord while ensuring its efficacy in mitigating pandemic risks. It stressed the importance of swift and coordinated responses across sectors and emphasized the pivotal role of public-private collaboration in advancing global health objectives.

In conclusion, the leaders emphasized the urgency of preparing for future pandemic threats, asserting that international cooperation remains paramount in addressing global challenges. They expressed hope that the timely establishment of a Pandemic Accord would not only save lives and livelihoods but also serve as a testament to the power of collective action in an increasingly interconnected world.