2nd UN General Assembly High-level Meeting underscores need for global action on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, building on lessons from COVID-19 and recent advances in international health cooperation

The 2nd United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response was held on 25 September 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York . The overall theme of the meeting was “Fostering a multinational and intergenerational approach to prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics and public health emergencies, through the principles of equity and solidarity”. The meeting reviewed progress since the 2023 High-level Meeting  and considered a Political Declaration focused on strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response through equity, solidarity, multilateral cooperation and sustainable investment. The declaration is expected to be forwarded to the UN General Assembly for further consideration.

The first thematic monitoring report of the MEDICRIME Convention, which addresses the safety and integrity of medical products during public health emergencies, an essential dimension of pandemic preparedness, aligns with the UN Political Declaration. Considered at the second UNGA High-level Meeting on 25 September 2026 and adopted by the UN General Assembly on 5 October 2026, this Declaration calls for action to strengthen national, regional and global capacities to prevent, detect and respond to pandemic threats.

The MEDICRIME Committee reaffirms its commitment to greater international cooperation, solidarity and equity in protecting public health.