From Monday, July 24 to Friday, July 28, 2023, the Principality of Monaco participated in the fourth meeting of the Working Group in charge of proposing amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) of the World Health Organization (WHO), held in Geneva.
The Working Group on International Health Regulations (WG-IHR) has the mandate to recommend targeted changes to the IHR 2005 to improve global responses to health threats. Drawing on scientific advancements and lessons learned from past health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the WG-IHR works towards enhancing the IHR 2005. The main goal is to better prepare, monitor, and promote international cooperation to address public health emergencies while minimizing disruptions to international commerce and travel.
During this WG-IHR meeting, Monaco reiterated its commitment to the IHR 2005 and the importance of adhering to its scope and objectives. The discussion primarily revolved around public health information notification, sharing, and verification.
The Principality, represented by a delegation led by H.E. Ms. Carole Lanteri, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Principality to the United Nations Office in Geneva, intervened several times to express its stance on these matters.
It is worth noting that the IHR 2005, adopted by 196 States, including Monaco, is the only legally binding international instrument in the field of international health security.