Released in advance of the Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG4; 1-5 Dec. 2025).
We encourage steadfast work to advance text negotiations of the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) Annex during IGWG4.
Global solidarity and coordination is needed to truly deliver health security that includes equitable access for all. This hinges on a multilateral PABS Annex that provides legal certainty and clear benefits for all stakeholders. Since Member States last convened, there has been increased action to cement bilateral data and pathogen sharing agreements that could add layers of complexity to a multilateral system and introduce uncertainty in a major outbreak or pandemic crisis.
We encourage your work towards an effective PABS Annex. Text negotiations must be focused, explicit on details, and prioritise equity – there is no time to waste. Together, we are always stronger.
We will continue to champion this multilateral process. It is central to advancing implementation of the Pandemic Agreement which will serve generations to come. We also continue to press for a process that is more open and inclusive to civil society and relevant stakeholders, as technical experts and critical champions. We look forward to a productive IGWG4 that advances a final PABS Annex and Pandemic Agreement the world is waiting for.
Signed:
Pandemic Action Network – now known as rani (Resilience Action Network International)
Spark Street Advisors
Panel for a Global Public Health Convention
Helen Clark, Co-Chair, The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response
