United Nations Headquarters, New York
Overview
The second High-level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response is aimed at mobilizing political will at the national, regional and international levels. Guided by the theme, “Fostering a multilateral and intergenerational approach to prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics and public health emergencies through the principles of equity and solidarity,” the meeting will culminate in the approval of a concise, action-oriented political declaration agreed upon through intergovernmental negotiations.
The High-level Meeting is being held in accordance with Assembly resolution of 5 September 2025.
Background
The High-level Meeting takes place at a critical moment for global health emergency governance, when there is a need to sustain political attention, investment and international cooperation in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Since the first High-level Meeting, held in September 2023, progress has been made in strengthening legal, institutional and financing frameworks for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, as well as capacities, research and development, surveillance and equitable access to relevant health products.
Nevertheless, significant challenges persist, including inequities in access to health products, fragmented financing and governance mechanisms and persistent weaknesses in surveillance, laboratory and health systems capacities. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the human, social and economic consequences of inadequate preparedness. Sufficient, predictable and sustainable financing remain indispensable, and continued efforts are needed to align domestic and international financing with country-led priorities and to reduce fragmentation and duplication.
This second High-level Meeting will provide a timely opportunity for Member States and stakeholders to take stock of progress, identify persistent challenges and renew their commitment for strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
Documents
Take part
Member States
Inscription on the list of speakers for the plenary segment is through the and closes on Wednesday 16 September 2026. Expressions of interest in speaking in the panels were also made through e-deleGATE, until Monday 14 September. Delegations are encouraged to email their statements to estatements@un.org at least two hours before delivery, to facilitate interpretation.
Observers, intergovernmental organizations and the UN system
Observers and entities without access to e-deleGATE may request inscription by Wednesday 16 September 2026; the contact is given in the logistics note. Seating follows the General Assembly protocol: 1+1 for each Member State delegation and 1+0 for observers. Observers, specialized agencies, funds, programmes and regional commissions are asked to submit an expression of interest for seating by Wednesday 16 September 2026.
Specialized agencies, funds and programmes
Representatives of specialized agencies require only a valid UN grounds pass. Representatives of funds and programmes and of regional commissions who hold a valid grounds pass also need a secondary ticket, obtained from the Office of the President of the General Assembly by Wednesday 16 September 2026. Details are in sections V and VI of the logistics note.
Non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders
Registration for representatives of organizations with special accreditation ran from 6 to 23 August, and for non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council from 3 to 11 September, through the UN Indico platform. Applicants who receive a confirmation will be told separately where and when to collect their special events ticket.
Accessibility
Delegations are asked to inform the Secretariat of the accessibility requirements of delegates. Seating can be adjusted on request to enable the participation of persons with disabilities, in accordance with paragraphs 33 and 34 of resolution 73/341. Enquiries about assistive devices and other support go to the Meetings Support Section of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management, accessibilitycentre@un.org, no later than three working days before the meeting.
Watch
The proceedings are webcast on UN Web TV. The President’s statement and the outcome of the meeting will be posted on this page once issued.
High-Level Week
The 81st Session will be rich with milestone events that will test our collective resolve — from addressing the existential threats of sea-level rise, to pandemic preparedness, to commemorating the Right to Development at forty, nuclear disarmament, and the Durban legacy at twenty-five. Each is more than a date on a calendar. Each is an opportunity to demonstrate that multilateralism can deliver concrete results.
H.E. Dr. Khalilur Rahman
Vision statement
