DNDi oral statement at INB8

Entering into INB8, we share concerns that major divides in substantive issues risk the prospect of making meaningful change.

However, we do see some real opportunities to take forward proposals that can help bridge those divides, by demonstrating real commitment to operationalize equity.

One such bridge is in relation to conditions on public funding for research and development.

The new proposed text for Article 9 has reinstated a provision to attach conditions to public funding. This provides a basis for further negotiation and reflects the support of many Member States.

The next step for Member States is to focus on what those conditions should be. The new provision provides a general obligation to include conditions; however, it does not contain sufficient high-level detail about their type or scope.

While the specific way in which this provision will be implemented will depend on the stage of research being funded and guided by domestic implementation of the Accord, there are key elements which should be included now to align expectations on baseline conditions and backstop powers if those conditions are not adhered to.

Without agreement on the nature of the conditions needed there will not be coherence between funders and R&D stages, leaving potential gaps and limitations on the actions needed.

As member states look for areas of consensus – agreeing to attach conditions to their own funding is an area which is within their ability to do so. It is concrete, impactful, and provides one real opportunity for countries to focus on setting the rules for everybody involved in accelerating research, development, and equitable access to new health tools that are needed.