Why did global talks to fight pandemics break down?

Countries were fiercely opposed to proposals they said were against their national interests. But talks could resume.

Global talks over developing a joint pandemic treaty broke down last week, as delegations failed to agree on a pact, largely because participating countries disagreed on a range of issues that they said threatened national interests.

The ambitious negotiations, led by the World Health Organization, had been continuing for more than two years, with the United Nations body pushing for a global strategy to prepare for future public health emergencies, drawing on lessons from COVID-19.

A final proposal for what would have been the world’s first pandemic convention was due for presentation this week at the Geneva World Health Assembly where health ministers are meeting. With no final text, WHO officials are hoping that an intervention by the ministers could bring countries to a path towards an agreement.

Here’s what we know about the treaty’s aims, why it matters, and what’s next:

After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, countries requested the WHO in 2021 to come up with a plan that would outline how countries can share data and resources, and ultimately handle the next big health crisis better. The treaty would amend global health regulations last revised in 1995, that are binding on all WHO member states.