In May 2021, the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response released its main report, calling for urgent action to end the pandemic, and for leadership to implement a package of international reforms to make COVID19 the last pandemic of such devastation.
Six months later, there has been some progress, but is it urgent and cohesive enough? Will it result in the universal health protection that people worldwide need?
The key areas to reform pandemic preparedness and response are: effective leadership, inclusive governance, finance, ensuring equitable access to global public goods like vaccines, and strengthening WHO - including through a pandemic treaty.
The former Co-Chairs of the Independent Panel, HE Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Rt. Honourable Helen Clark, have prepared a six-month progress report which includes solutions and next steps. How can we seize the moment to strengthen international, regional, national, and local systems for pandemic preparedness and response?
There will be two linked events - the first includes a one-hour presentation of the report and an expert discussion, followed by a 30-minute media opportunity. The first session of the event will be livestreamed.
Participants
Chair: Robert Yates, Director, Global Health Programme; Executive Director, Centre for Universal Health, Chatham House
Rt Hon Helen Clark, President, Chatham House; Co-chair, Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response; Prime Minister of New Zealand (1999-08)
Zane Dangor, Special Advisor to the Minister Of International Relations and Cooperation, Republic of South Africa; Chair, ACT-A COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturing Working Group
HE Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Co-chair, Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response; President of Liberia (2006-18)
David Miliband, President and CEO, International Rescue Committee
