The Role of Journalism in Global Health Diplomacy

This session will explore the role of journalism in Global Health Diplomacy. Specifically, we will discuss the journalistic practices of Geneva Health Files in reporting global health negotiations in Geneva at the World Trade Organization, and the World Health Organization, during the pandemic and post-pandemic years. We will tell the story of how we came to report on closed-door negotiations to provide a service to negotiators, diplomats and other stakeholders during the negotiations on the WTO TRIPS Waiver, the amendments to the International Health Regulations, and the Pandemic Agreement. We will also discuss the impact we have had, and the traction we received in response to our journalism. The session will explore the tool of independent journalism to further transparency and accountability in global health policy–making. It will also underscore the importance of having access to rigorous journalism, for all delegations for timely, impartial and accurate coverage of opaque decision-making.