Public hearings regarding a new international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response

On the decision establishing an intergovernmental negotiation body (INB) to draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, the World Health Assembly also requested the WHO Director-General to support the work of the INB, including by holding public hearings, in line with standard WHO practice, to inform its deliberations. The WHO Secretariat is seeking input from all interested parties in these hearings, and strongly encourages participation in this important process. 

The WHO Constitution provides that, “Informed opinion and active co-operation on the part of the public are of the utmost importance in the improvement of the health of the people.” The INB public hearings: The World Together, and public interest and support in them, helps to advance this critical principle.