Call to Action for Advancing Biomanufacturing Self-Reliance: From Policy to Practice in Local Manufacturing

20 May 2026 | Geneva, Switzerland

The Pandemic Agreement marks a global shift from dependency toward shared responsibility, reinforcing commitments to vaccine equity, self-reliance, and pandemic preparedness. Yet many countries still face major challenges in translating these commitments into durable national and regional capacity across vaccine research and development, biomanufacturing, and delivery systems.

An increasing number of low- and middle-income countries are now pursuing end-to-end vaccine ecosystem development, linking innovation, clinical development, regulatory strengthening, workforce capacity, and enabling policy and financing frameworks. Global South-led collaboration and regional partnerships are emerging as essential drivers of sustainable progress aligned with national priorities.

You are invited to an official side event during the 79th World Health Assembly that will bring together Member States, the International Vaccine Institute, and key stakeholders to exchange practical experiences, policy insights, and best practices for advancing vaccine self-reliance.

This high-level, in-person event will focus on actionable pathways to strengthen national and regional capacity by discussing:

• Practical approaches for translating political commitments on vaccine equity into functioning national and regional capabilities
• Best practice models for integrating vaccine research and development, manufacturing, regulatory systems, and access strategies
• Collaborative governance and partnership models that support sustainable investment and regional cooperation
• Lessons for strengthening pandemic preparedness, resilience, and equitable access in line with WHO’s 14th General Programme of Work

The co-organizers and co-sponsors include the Republic of the Philippines, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Korea, and the International Vaccine Institute.

Registration for this event is closed.