We greatly appreciate the efforts WHO has made to ensure FENSA is fully implemented at all levels of the WHO. We are pleased to hear the results of the June 2024 Member State survey on the proceedings held at the 77th WHA where more than half of respondents agreed NSA joint statements improved the quality of debates. We agree that NSA joint statements should remain integrated into the overall proceedings in between Member State statements to ensure NSA views are listened to and considered throughout the debate. Overall, we welcome the opportunity to continue NSA joint statements.

However, because joint statements reflect the perspectives and calls to action from various diverse NSAs, it is often difficult to provide in-depth information and actionable recommendations from experts on specific agenda topics. We believe in continuing to provide NSAs with the opportunity to submit individual statements that give Member States more specific views and actions. We urge Member States to ensure that individual statements are not reduced, as doing so could limit NSAs meaningful engagement in governing body debates.

We take this time to remind Member States that NSAs, particularly civil society organizations, serve on the frontline of public health. Many NSAs include people with lived experiences who continuously face growing public health challenges, and many others that provide critical health and care services. These actors understand the public health problems and needs of populations, particularly those who are the poorest and most at risk. Without their meaningful participation, WHO cannot fulfill its mandate to create a healthier and safer world for everyone.

Lastly, we were gravely concerned with events at the 154th EB meeting requesting further discussions regarding the WHO Secretariat’s recommendation for CSOs to enter into official relations with WHO. While satisfied with the outcome of these discussions during the 155th EB meeting, we ask that moving forward, Member States adhere to the objective criteria used to evaluate NSA applications and uphold the recommendations and independent role of the WHO Secretariat.