GENEVA, Switzerland – The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally recognized several heads of state and government for their crucial roles in the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement by the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in May 2025.
At a special event held at WHO Headquarters in Geneva on July 10, 2025, plaques were presented to representatives from Chile and Tunisia, whose former President Sebastián Piñera and current President Kais Saied, respectively, were early advocates for the agreement. Certificates were also awarded to leaders from 25 other nations for their guidance and unwavering commitment throughout the negotiation process.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated, “The adoption by the World Health Assembly of the Pandemic Agreement was a historic moment in global health. But we would not have reached that moment without sustained political advocacy from the highest levels.”
Among the countries whose current or former presidents or prime ministers were recognized are Albania, Costa Rica, Croatia, Fiji, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
The Pandemic Agreement signifies a global commitment to establishing a more robust international health architecture grounded in equity, cooperation, and shared responsibility. The momentum for the agreement was partly spurred by a 2021 commentary in major international outlets where 25 heads of state and international organizations called for such a treaty.
Work has now commenced on implementing key elements of the Pandemic Agreement, particularly concerning pathogen access and benefit sharing. This effort is being led by an intergovernmental working group, which held its inaugural meeting this week.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
