The WHO Pandemic Agreement was adopted by the member states of the World Health Organization at the World Health Assembly on 20 May 2025 after three years of intensive negotiations.[1][4] The agreement represents the first global legal instrument aimed at prevention, preparedness and response to future pandemics, which was created based on the shortcomings and inequities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.[1][4] The agreement's framework includes strengthening disease surveillance, strengthening health systems, protecting health personnel, coordinating research and development, improving local production, including technology transfer, and improved international cooperation.[4] The agreement expressly protects national sovereignty and states that the WHO does not have the authority to mandate national laws, vaccination mandates or other specific measures such as travel bans or quarantines.[7] Another key step is the negotiation of the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system, which will allow researchers and pharmaceutical companies rapid access to pathogens for vaccine and drug development.[2][4] The agreement will enter into force 30 days after ratification by at least 60 countries.[4]