States have been negotiating a new pandemic treaty at the World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics more effectively, equitably and cooperatively. The GCH argues that Local and Regional Governments (LRGs), key players in the COVID-19 response, should be explicitly referred to in the treaty and given more voice in the future.
As the 11th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) to draft and negotiate a new WHO pandemic treaty is about to close, it is high time that we reflect upon what’s (not) in the draft pandemic treaty for local and regional governments. While early drafts mentioned LRGs, these references have been watered down over time. However, article 17 on “whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches” remains, which constitutes the main entry point for LRGs into the treaty.
The GCH’s policy paper below offers observations on States’ perspectives and highlights challenges that need to be overcome if LRGs are to be more involved in future negotiations.
