It is becoming increasingly clear that WHO member states may push for more time in order to conclude the negotiations towards a new Pandemic Accord. While this has not been formally discussed or decided yet, a number of diplomats in Geneva indicated this week that an extension will be inevitable in order to come up with a meaningful instrument.
Speaking on the sidelines of a drafting group meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, several diplomats suggested that sooner than later, the decision to seek for more time will need to be addressed in the coming weeks. But countries are hesitant to be the first ones to volunteer to ask for more time, afraid of being seen as sabotaging the process.
In the last few months of reporting, this is the first time that there has been perceptible shift in the way countries talk - albeit privately - on the need for more time citing concerns around coming up with substantial provisions to make a new Pandemic instrument more effective.
It is also learned that WHO DG Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus continues to push for the May 2024 deadline although requests for extending the deadline have been broached with him, diplomatic sources told us this week.
INB Bureau officials clarified to us that countries have reaffirmed their commitment to the May 2024 deadline.