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WHO’s Historic Agreement: A Major Step Towards Global Pandemic Preparedness

In a groundbreaking move, members of the World Health Organization (WHO) have reached a historic, legally binding agreement aimed at preparing the world for future pandemics. This pact, designed to address the lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis, sets the stage for a more equitable global response to health emergencies, particularly in the distribution of essential drugs, vaccines, and medical technologies.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in global health governance, especially at a time when multilateral institutions like the WHO are facing considerable financial strain. The United States, which was once the WHO’s largest financial contributor, withdrew from negotiations after President Donald Trump initiated the U.S.’s departure from the organization. Despite this setback, the deal underscores a strong commitment from member states to work together on global health security, with or without U.S. involvement. “This is a historic moment,” said Nina Schwalbe, founder of global health think tank Spark Street Advisors. “It demonstrates that countries are committed to multilateralism and to collective action.”

This agreement, the second of its kind in WHO’s 75-year history (the first being a tobacco control treaty in 2003), focuses on structural inequalities in how pandemic-related health tools are developed and distributed. Article nine of the deal ensures that future pandemic-related drugs, therapeutics, and vaccines will be made globally accessible. It also gives the WHO stronger oversight over medical supply chains and paves the way for local production of vaccines during health crises.

A key challenge in the negotiations was the issue of technology transfer—sharing the knowledge and manufacturing capabilities necessary for lower-income countries to produce their vaccines and treatments. To address this, the agreement mandates that manufacturers allocate at least 20% of their real-time production to the WHO during a pandemic, with a minimum of 10% designated for donation and the rest priced affordably for developing nations.

The deal is not yet finalized, as it must be adopted at the WHO Assembly in May, and some details, such as the annex on Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing, still require further negotiation. However, once ratified, the agreement will bolster global preparedness, enabling quicker responses to future pandemics and more equitable access to life-saving resources.

As health experts emphasize, the global community must invest in preparedness now to avoid the costly toll of another pandemic. “We can’t afford another pandemic, but we can afford to prevent one,” said Helen Clark, co-chair of The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness. This agreement represents a critical step toward ensuring that the world is better equipped to face future health crises with solidarity, transparency, and a commitment to equity.

Electric Vehicle Leaders Urge EU To Maintain 2035 Zero Emission Mandate

Industry Voices Emphasize the Importance of Commitment

Over 150 key figures from Europe’s electric car sector, including executives from Volvo Cars and Polestar, have signed a letter urging the European Union to adhere to its ambitious 2035 zero emission goal for cars and vans. These industry leaders warn that any deviation could hamper the progress of Europe’s burgeoning EV market, inadvertently strengthen global competitors, and weaken investor confidence.

Evolving Perspectives Within the Automotive Community

This call comes in the wake of a contrasting appeal issued at the end of August by heads of European automobile manufacturers’ and automotive suppliers’ associations. That letter, endorsed by the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Kaellenius, argued that a 100 percent emission reduction target may no longer be practical for cars by 2035.

Discussion With EU Leadership on The Horizon

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to meet with automotive industry leaders on September 12 to deliberate the future of the sector. Facing stiff challenges such as the rise of Chinese competition and the implications of US tariffs, the stakes for the EU’s policy decisions have never been higher.

Potential Risks of Eroding Ambitious Targets

Industry leaders like Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, caution that any weakening of the targets could undermine climate objectives and compromise Europe’s competitive edge in the global market. Michiel Langzaal, chief executive of EU charging provider Fastned, further highlighted that investments in charging infrastructure and software development are predicated on the certainty of these targets.

Regulatory Compliance And The Mercedes-Benz Exception

A report from transport research and campaign group T&E indicates that nearly all European carmakers, with the exception of Mercedes-Benz, are positioned to meet CO₂ regulation requirements for the 2025-2027 period. To avoid potential penalties, Mercedes must now explore cooperation with partners such as Volvo Cars and Polestar.

Conclusion

The industry’s unified stance underscores the critical balance between environmental aspirations and maintaining competitive advantage. With high-level discussions imminent, the EU’s forthcoming decisions will be pivotal in shaping not only the future of the continent’s automotive sector but also its global positioning in the race towards sustainable mobility.

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