The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with various government agencies such as the Attorney-General’s Chambers (A-GC), is representing Malaysia in the sixth Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG6) negotiations which commence today. These high-level discussions are scheduled to take place from 23 March to 28 March, with the primary proceedings hosted at the World Health Organisation (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Due to current global circumstances, the Malaysian delegation is participating in these sessions through an online platform rather than attending in person.
To maintain a strategic and well-coordinated approach, the Malaysian team of technical and legal experts has established a central coordination site within the country. This setup allows the delegation to deliberate internally before contributing their collective input to the international negotiations in real-time. By centralising their operations domestically, the ministry aims to ensure that Malaysia’s positions are presented clearly and effectively throughout the week-long event.
The Ministry of Health clarified that the decision to opt for virtual participation was influenced by several significant factors, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Furthermore, critical logistical constraints played a role in the shift away from physical attendance at the Geneva headquarters. Despite these challenges, the ministry emphasised that the virtual format will not hinder the country’s ability to engage actively with other international stakeholders.
A key focus of these negotiations involves the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS), which Malaysia views as a vital component for strengthening global readiness against future pandemics. In an official statement released today, the ministry reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to these talks, noting that Malaysia has a consistent history of being represented in such significant international dialogues. While this marks a departure from previous years where physical delegations were always sent, the commitment to the cause remains unchanged.
Malaysia continues to advocate for outcomes that are fair, equitable, and balanced while ensuring that national interests are strictly safeguarded. Through close inter-agency cooperation, the government aims to uphold the principles of global solidarity and shared responsibility in public health. The ministry concluded that Malaysia remains prepared to work alongside other member states to achieve a unified strategy that benefits the global community in the face of biological threats.
