Monaco attends 2nd WHO special session

WHO – Monaco is taking part in the second special session of the World Health Assembly

A special session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) was held in Geneva from 29 November to 1 December 2021. The session was convened following a decision adopted by consensus among Member States at the 74th World Health Assembly last May.

In light of the conclusions of the first report by the Member States’ Working Group on Strengthening WHO Preparedness and Response to Health Emergencies, presented at the Assembly, the purpose of this second special session was to consider the benefits of developing a convention, agreement or other instrument.

The Member States’ Working Group is charged with reviewing the various conclusions and recommendations of different expert committees. A second report with measures for the WHO Secretariat, Member States and non-state actors will be submitted to the 75th World Health Assembly in May 2022.

The World Health Assembly adopted a consensus decision titled “The World Together: Establishment of an intergovernmental negotiating body to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response”. The decision, co-sponsored by Monaco, establishes an intergovernmental negotiating body to draft and negotiate an international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, with a view to adopting it pursuant to the WHO Constitution.

The Monegasque delegation was led by H.E. Ms Carole LANTERI, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Monaco to the Office of the United Nations in Geneva.

During the Assembly, H.E. Ms Carole LANTERI chaired the Committee on Credentials.

The World Health Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization, and is responsible for setting the organisation’s policy.