Pandemic Accord: Global cooperation wins

Thailand welcomes the Pandemic Accord after over three years of negotiations among the members of the World Health Organization (WHO). As a strong supporter of this UN agency, Thailand hopes that the new landmark agreement, which was concluded this week, will be able to respond effectively to future pandemics.

The deal comes at a tense moment globally, as trade wars and geopolitical rivalries are threatening international cooperation.

The agreement, which is legally binding, aims to make the world better prepared for the next major health crisis. It builds on painful lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, which killed millions and caused massive economic damage worldwide. In Thailand, an estimate of 40,000 casualties.

The accord focuses on five key areas. Firstly, countries that share virus samples will get equal access to the vaccines, treatments, and tests developed from them.

WHO will also set aside 20 percent of medical supplies for low-income countries. Secondly, nations that provide biological samples will receive a fair share of the resulting medical breakthroughs.

Thirdly, a new global logistics network will help prevent shortages during future health emergencies. Fourthly, member states agree to improve their healthcare systems to detect and respond faster to outbreaks.

Finally, there are no penalties for non-compliance. Instead, countries must settle disagreements through diplomacy or arbitration.

While the deal is a major step forward, big challenges remain. Political commitment from member countries is essential. For example, the United States and Argentina, both of which left the WHO last year, did not join the talks. The U.S., once WHO’s biggest funder, sent no delegates.

Without strong backing, there’s a risk the agreement will be ignored. Past international health agreements were often violated without consequences.

For lower- and middle-income countries, money remains a major concern. They need funding and support to prepare for future pandemics. Without it, enforcing the agreement could prove difficult.

Thailand is a good case study. The country is an active member of WHO and was praised for its effective COVID-19 response, especially its early containment efforts and community health programs. This new agreement will boost its international cooperation and raise its global profile in pandemic preparedness.

But like many developing nations, Thailand will need international support—especially financial and technical assistance—to fully carry out the accord.

This agreement shows that global cooperation is still possible, even during uncertain times.

But it will take more than promises to make the world safer. The real test will come when the next pandemic hits—and whether countries are truly ready to work together.