WHO member states began discussions on the Pandemic Accord based on a Zero Draft that was adopted at the fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body this week in Geneva. The meeting was a complex discussion on process, modalities and a first reading of all the provisions of the Zero Draft. Countries also began with text-based negotiations.
It also saw the exclusion of non-state actors (NSAs) from participating as observers in the closed door drafting sessions that included mostly member states. The sheer diversity and the strength of the statements from NSAs including CSOs and other organizations, have been striking, and have made their presence felt in these discussions that have so far been relatively transparent and inclusive.
As countries begin to deal with the details of the suggested provisions in the Zero Draft, a number of questions have arisen on the rationale of some of the language presented. This week, the INB Bureau fielded innumerable comments and questions from member states on the provisions, according to sources familiar with the discussions.