Global Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response: Negotiating the Future

The USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health invites you to join us for “Global Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response: Negotiating the Future” on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 9–10 a.m. PST.

COVID-19 exposed the fundamental weaknesses in pandemic preparedness and response at national and global levels in unprecedented ways. Recognizing this, the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, established by the WHO Director-General, was established to conduct an independent, comprehensive review on insights and lessons learned from the health response to COVID-19, as well as previous health emergencies, and provide a fresh assessment of approaches to the challenges ahead. The World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, then established the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body to draft and negotiate a new legally binding WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (INB) for Member States to work together to strengthen the world’s structures and systems.

This one-hour virtual event will bring together key players engaged in these negotiations to discuss crucial issues in achieving a globally coordinated and effective instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. The panel will explore the history, purpose, content and current state of play concerning the pandemic agreement, with special attention to addressing inequalities, and the legal, structural and political issues to be addressed moving forward.

Speakers:

• Precious Matsoso, Co-chair, Intergovernmental Negotiating Body to draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, World Health Organization; Served as a Member, The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response
• Michel Kazatchkine, Served as a Member, The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response
• Layth Hanbali, Analyst, Spark Street Advisors
• Nithin Ramakrishnan, Consultant, Third World Network
• Moderated by Sofia Gruskin, Director, USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health

Register here!