The Zero draft on the Political Declaration on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, for the United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting in September 2023 reflects many of the themes being discussed in the context of the pandemic accord and the amendments to the IHR, including financing of research and development, sustainability of supply chains, referring to the importance of local manufacturing, among other key areas.
The 14-page document is now being considered by countries and they have until next week to provide comments. A final text is expected to be ready by July 26th after at least two rounds of revision according to a preliminary plan. The declaration is scheduled to be adopted by September 20th at the High-Level Meeting in New York.
This story presents key excerpts from the draft, with opinions from experts who seem divided on the approach to governance and accountability issues stemming from this political declaration.