The Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) is a subdivision of the World Health Assembly, and was established by WHO Member States to develop key components of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, a landmark legal instrument adopted in May 2025 to strengthen global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
The IGWG serves as a platform for countries to collaboratively shape the operational details of the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The Group’s work includes the development of an annex on Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) – a system designed to ensure transparent and equitable sharing of pathogen samples and genetic sequence data.
At its first meeting in July 2025, the IGWG adopted its working methods, and procedures for stakeholder engagement. Co-chaired by representatives from Brazil and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with Vice Chairs from Australia, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the State of Qatar and Kingdom of Thailand, the IGWG reflects a commitment to equity, transparency, and global solidarity in preparing for and responding to future health threats.
Meeting timeline
9–10 July 2025: First meeting of the IGWG
15–19 September 2025: Second meeting of the IGWG
Week of 6–10 October 2025: Informal meetings of the IGWG
3–7 November 2025: Third meeting of the IGWG
1–5 December 2025: Fourth meeting of the IGWG
9–14 February 2026: Fifth meeting of the IGWG
23–28 March 2026: Sixth meeting of the IGWG
July 2026 (tbc): Seventh meeting of the IGWG
September 2026 (tbc): Eighth meeting of the IGWG