KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will participate in the 6th Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG6) negotiation session at the World Health Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland, via an online platform due to the conflict in West Asia.
The Health Ministry, in a statement, said the participation in the session from March 23-28 involves collaboration with several relevant government agencies, including the Attorney General’s Chambers.
“To ensure Malaysia’s input and position are aligned collectively and strategically, the national delegation, comprising technical and legal experts, will gather at a coordination centre in Malaysia to follow and actively participate in the negotiation sessions to safeguard national interests and public well-being,” the statement said.
According to the ministry, the decision to participate in the negotiations online was made after considering the conflict in West Asia and the current critical logistical constraints.
It said Malaysia recognises the importance of the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS) negotiations in strengthening global pandemic preparedness.
“Previously, Malaysia has always ensured representation at such negotiations and has never failed to send a physical delegation,” the ministry said, Bernama reported.
