On May 20, 2025, the World Health Assembly adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement, a truly historic milestone in the evolution of global health governance. This landmark treaty reflects a strong international commitment to improving coordination and preparedness for future pandemics, though important elements will still need to be worked on and agreed upon at the next World Health Assembly in 2026.
In a statement issued on May 22, 2025, the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER), a member of the Global Network for Academic Public Health (GNAPH), outlined why this agreement represents a groundbreaking advancement in global health collaboration for a more cohesive and equitable global response to health emergencies.
GNAPH members will continue to work with their institutional members across all WHO regions to ensure effective implementation of the new WHO Pandemic Treaty and to engage our schools and programs in their vital role of creating a world that protects and improves the health of people and the planet.