April 16, 2025
The O’Neill Institute issued the following statement from co-faculty directors, Professors Michele Bratcher Goodwin and Lawrence O. Gostin, in response to the World Health Organization’s agreement on a global pandemic treaty:
“We commend the World Health Organization and its member states for reaching a historic agreement on the world’s first legally binding pandemic treaty. After more than three years of intense negotiations, this treaty marks a significant step forward in protecting future generations from the devastating and inequitable impacts of pandemics. It is a victory for people everywhere — in both the Global North and South.
While the United States’ decision to abstain is regrettable and leaves a critical gap in global leadership, it does not diminish the treaty’s significance. This agreement underscores the important role of multilateral institutions and international cooperation in addressing global public health threats. And, it sets a crucial framework for the sharing of pathogen data and the equitable distribution of medical countermeasures during health emergencies.
Though the treaty is not perfect, it offers hope for a safer, more secure world. It provides a foundation — one that will require strong implementation and continued collaboration to ensure a healthier future for all.”
O’Neill Institute experts have provided extensive analysis and commentary on key aspects of the pandemic treaty over the last three years. For more information, please visit here.