The Fine Print: Decoding the Pandemic Agreement

The 78th World Health Assembly was recently held in Geneva, and as expected, Australia was party to the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement (sometimes referred to as the WHO Pandemic Accord or WHO Pandemic Treaty). This international agreement, developed under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), is based on the premise of strengthening global preparedness and response to future pandemics.

The Pandemic Agreement is a legally binding international instrument (under the WHO Constitution) designed to:

* Improve cooperation between countries during pandemics.

* Ensure equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments.

* Improve transparency in data sharing and reporting.

* Strengthen the global health system to respond better to pandemics.

While the Pandemic Agreement has been adopted, it has not yet been voted on, as a crucial element of the agreement has not yet been finalised—PABS.

The Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system, a central component of the agreement, remains under negotiation. PABS is intended to ensure that pathogens with pandemic potential are shared promptly and that the benefits derived from them—such as vaccines and treatments—are distributed equitably. The details of this system are still being worked out, and as such, the agreement is not yet open for signature.

What does all of this mean for Australia?

Join us Thursday 5 June at 8pm AEST to unpack the recent adoption of the Pandemic Agreement with our host Michael Arbon, and special guests Katie Ashby-Koppens and Ramesh Thakur.

The Pandemic Agreement marks an unprecedented level of international cooperation that will shape how we, and the rest of the world, act during the next pandemic.

This is a conversation not to be missed!

To prepare for this webinar, we recommend reading a recent article by Ramesh Thakur - click HERE to read.

A little bit about our guests:

Ramesh Thakur is a distinguished international affairs expert who has served as Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Senior Vice Rector of the United Nations University. He is currently the Director of the Centre for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament at the Australian National University and was the inaugural Director of the Balsillie School of International Affairs in Canada.

A principal architect of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine, Professor Thakur has advised the governments of Australia and New Zealand on matters of international security, arms control, and disarmament. He is the co-Convenor of the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament and a former fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation.

Professor Thakur is also a fellow at the Brownstone Institute, where he is a regular contributor on global governance and policy issues.

Katie Ashby-Koppens is a seasoned civil litigator with over 20 years of experience in New Zealand and Australia. Her expertise spans employment, medico-legal, regulatory disputes, and class actions.

Katie has played a pivotal role in high-profile cases concerning COVID-19 mandates and mRNA products. She is currently the solicitor on record for the GMO case against Pfizer and Moderna in Australia and is actively engaging with governments to address issues related to the UN and WHO Pandemic Treaties.

In addition to her legal practice, Katie serves as the Head of Legal for Voices For Freedom and Reality Check Radio in New Zealand. She is also a co-founder and Head of Legal of the Aligned Council of Australia.

Michael Arbon (our host) is an experienced advisor to Senator Ralph Babet, bringing a strong background in finance and policy analysis. Known for his strategic insight and pragmatic approach, Michael plays a key role in supporting informed decision-making on national issues. Michael is a member of Flag on the Hill, an Aligned Council of Australia group member. He is also a dedicated family man, balancing his professional commitments with a strong focus on family values.

Can't join us live? No trouble, register, and we'll send you the recording!