Diplomatic jujitsu at WHO

Context – Resolution related to China’s role in COVID-19 is before the World Health Assembly.

Objective of Motion backed by more than 120 countries

• Stepwise process of “impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation” of WHO coordinated international response to Covid-19.

• Identification of the zoonotic source of the coronavirus and its transmission to human populations.

Global response

• Australia has pushed for probe along with European Union at World Health Assembly even after threat from China.
• Issue was raised at UN Security Council and G-20 forum level.
• As resolution does not mention China’s name specifically, Western Countries hope that China will not oppose the resolution.

China

• Objecting to probe and threatened Australia with trade repercussions.
• China get upper hand in WHO due to getting the things under control quickly and expansive mask diplomacy.
• Unanimous approval resolution will have diplomatic setback for China.

Issue with WHO

• Limited ability to tackle situations, as it can only issue advisories and has no enforcement powers (It can only ask for compliance reports from member countries.).
• Need to develop new international norms: to increase the obligations of states and the powers of the WHO in facilitating early detection and notification of pandemics.
• Question of Funding: it must depend on donations rather than membership fees, as the donors will inevitably set the agenda
• WHO trying to do too many things:  A limited agenda might make the it a more effective organisation.

India’s role after becoming Chairman of executive board of WHO

• Quiet diplomacy from India side have created political basis for learning the right lessons from the pandemic.
• It should push for new crisis management protocols and give the global health body some teeth.

Way Forward

• The need of the hour is a global health architecture that demands accountability, as WHO can’t remain a soft adviser.
• There is also a need for intensive engagement with China, USA and the “Quad plus” nations to promote a new global regime on preventing and managing pandemics.