U.S. Blocks UN Pandemic Readiness Declaration, Citing Unresolved Issues
The United States has withheld its support for a High-Level Declaration on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response at the United Nations General Assembly. The U.S. representative stated that critical issues remain unresolved, including the inclusion of 'divisive ideologies that lack definitional consensus' and references to an unfinished negotiation on pathogen access and benefit sharing. This objection has prevented a consensus agreement on the draft text, pushing the decision back to the General Assembly for a potential vote before its annual session concludes in December. Several delegations, including Peru and Cabo Verde, had anticipated the declaration's adoption, while the Netherlands expressed regret over the inability to reach a common political outcome. General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman acknowledged broad support but noted ongoing observations, confirming further consideration by Member States.
