What Is the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB)?

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed major gaps in global health preparedness, coordination, and response. In response, governments around the world began exploring stronger international cooperation to better prevent and manage future pandemics.

One of the most significant steps in this effort was the creation of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB). This body was established by the World Health Assembly to develop a global agreement to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

Understanding the role of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body helps explain how the international community is working to reduce the risks of future global health crises.

Why the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body Was Created

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on human lives, economies, and societies worldwide. The scale of disruption highlighted the need for stronger international alignment when responding to emerging health threats.

To avoid repeating the challenges experienced during COVID-19, the global community recognized the importance of building more coordinated mechanisms for pandemic preparedness.

As a result, countries agreed that a formal international framework could strengthen cooperation, information sharing, and response strategies during future pandemics.

The Historic World Health Assembly Special Session

In December 2021, the World Health Assembly Special Session (WHASS) took place in Geneva, Switzerland.

This meeting was historic: it was only the second time in the history of the World Health Organization (WHO) that the Health Assembly convened twice in the same year.

During this session, Member States agreed to establish the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB).

The mandate of the INB is to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement, or other international instrument under the Constitution of the World Health Organization. The goal of this instrument is to strengthen global systems for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

The Core Mandate of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body is responsible for developing a global framework that helps countries work together more effectively during health emergencies.

Its work focuses on creating an international instrument that supports:

• Stronger pandemic prevention strategies
• Improved preparedness for emerging health threats
• More coordinated global response mechanisms
• Greater cooperation among countries and health systems

The INB’s work is guided by several core principles:

• Inclusiveness
• Transparency
• Efficiency
• Member State leadership
• Consensus-based decision making

These principles ensure that negotiations reflect broad international participation and collaboration.

Timeline for the Pandemic Agreement Negotiations

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body was tasked with progressing negotiations within a clear timeline.

Key milestones include:

• Progress reporting to the 76th World Health Assembly in 2023
• Target adoption of the international instrument by 2024

These milestones allow Member States to evaluate progress and ensure that negotiations continue to move forward.

How the INB Process Includes Global Stakeholders

Although the INB is led by Member States, the process also involves participation from a wide range of stakeholders.

The decision establishing the INB requested that the WHO Director-General convene meetings and support the negotiation process. This includes organizing public hearings to gather perspectives from organizations and experts.

Participants in the process may include:

• United Nations system bodies
• Non-state actors
• Civil society organizations
• Global health stakeholders

This inclusive approach ensures that negotiations consider diverse expertise and perspectives from across the global health community.

Public Health Organizations Contributing to the INB Process

Public health organizations have played an active role in the consultation process surrounding the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body.

During INB public hearings, several organizations submitted statements to contribute to the discussions, including:

• The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)
• The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW)
• The International Hospital Federation (IHF)
• The World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA)

These contributions help ensure that public health expertise informs the development of the international pandemic instrument.

Why the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body Matters for Future Pandemics

The creation of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body reflects a global recognition that stronger international cooperation is essential to address future health threats.

By working toward a shared framework for pandemic preparedness and response, the INB aims to help countries:

• Strengthen health system resilience
• Improve coordination during emergencies
• Reduce global health inequalities
• Respond more rapidly to emerging threats

Ultimately, the work of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body represents an important step toward building a more coordinated and effective global system for pandemic preparedness.