UN General Assembly adopts pandemic declaration, but not by consensus

The UN General Assembly has adopted a new political declaration on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. The declaration was adopted by 153 in favour to 3 against (Argentina, Israel & US) with 2 abstentions (New Zealand & Paraguay). The text was scheduled for adoption at the dedicated high-level meeting on 25 September, but objections from the USA and others prevented adoption and pushed the issue back to the General Assembly.

Read the full declaration here.

"The declaration is political and non-binding. It calls for stronger national, regional and international cooperation, guided by science, equity and respect for human rights, and it welcomes last year’s landmark adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement." (UN News)

The declaration has been welcomed by the World Health Organization (12 Oct 2026) and the European Commission (16 Oct 2026). 

"The UNGA Political Declaration sets out a clear agenda to strengthen global health security. Key priorities include enhancing monitoring systems, investing in national capacities, and implementing the amended International Health Regulations (2005). The Declaration also calls for empowering communities, ensuring timely access to pathogens and equitable benefit-sharing, expanding local and regional manufacturing and research and development capacity, and securing sustainable financing. These actions combined will inevitably bolster international cooperation and result in greater solidarity and equity." (World Health Organization)

"The Commission fully supports the overarching objective of the resolution: stronger pandemic prevention, preparedness and response to secure a safer, healthier world for all. There are many useful elements to help achieve this goal, which is why the EU and its Member States supported the resolution. At the same time, the EU and its Member States have dissociated from certain elements in the resolution that they consider to set back the fight against pandemics." (European Commission)