Discussions on the pathogen access and benefit-sharing (PABS) system were often tense, on at least two occasions, when the Co-chair of the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) tried to shut down the Africa Group’s proposals on the matter.
The resumed 9th session of the INB is meeting in Geneva from 29 April to 10 May to negotiate a legally binding instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
On the third day of the meeting (1st May), discussions began on Article 12 of the Bureau’s text on the PABS system. Most of the discussion was moderated by the Bureau Co-chair Roland Driece of Netherlands.
According to sources, on two occasions, the Co-chair intervened as the Africa Group was making proposals on the PABS system, attempting to cut short the interventions.
Discussions began with the European Union questioning language in the Bureau’s text stating that the WHO PABS system “is hereby established”, preferring instead language that such a system “shall be developed”, sources say.
The Africa Group plus Egypt insisted that the text should establish the PABS system.