Diplomatic Call to Finish the WHO Pandemic Agreement and PABS Annex
外交呼籲完成 WHO 大流行協定與 PABS 附件
Introduction
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus have officially asked global leaders to speed up the approval of the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex. This step is necessary to put the WHO Pandemic Agreement into action.
巴西總統路拉（Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva）與世界衛生組織（WHO）總主任 Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus 已正式要求全球領袖加快通過「病原體獲取與利益分享」（PABS）附件。此舉是將 WHO 大流行協定付諸實行的必要步驟。
Main Body
The main problem is currently the PABS annex, which is a vital part of the agreement. This document aims to create a standard system for identifying pathogens quickly and sharing genetic data. However, there is a disagreement regarding how benefits should be shared. Developing countries argue that they must have guaranteed access to vaccines and medicines created from this shared data to avoid the unfairness seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, pharmaceutical companies claim that these requirements could slow down medical research and development.
目前主要的問題在於 PABS 附件，這是該協定中至關重要的一部分。此文件旨在建立一套標準系統，以快速識別病原體並分享基因數據。然而，關於利益應如何分享仍存在分歧。開發中國家主張，他們必須獲保證能取得利用這些分享數據所研發的疫苗與藥物，以避免重複 COVID-19 大流行期間出現的不公平現象。另一方面，製藥公司則聲稱，這些要求可能會減緩醫療研究與開發的速度。
Supporters of the agreement emphasize that a formal system provides legal certainty, which is better than the temporary arrangements usually made during a crisis. Furthermore, they point out that the cost of building an early-detection system is very low compared to the $13 trillion in economic losses and 20 million deaths caused by the last pandemic. The authors also assert that the agreement does not interfere with a country's right to govern itself, as Article 22 clearly states that sovereign states can still decide their own domestic health policies.
協定的支持者強調，正式系統能提供法律確定性，優於危機期間通常採取的臨時安排。此外，他們指出，與上次大流行造成的 13 兆美元經濟損失和 2000 萬人死亡相比，建立早期偵測系統的成本非常低。作者還斷言，該協定並不干涉國家的自治權，因為第 22 條明確規定，主權國家仍可決定其國內的衛生政策。
Conclusion
Negotiators will meet from July 6 to 17 with the goal of closing the remaining gaps in the PABS annex to ensure the world is prepared for future pandemics.
談判代表將於 7 月 6 日至 17 日會面，目標是彌補 PABS 附件中剩餘的缺口，以確保全球為未來的大流行做好準備。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'Contrast Pivot': Moving from Simple to Complex Arguments
At the A2 level, you likely use 'but' to connect ideas. To reach B2, you need Contrast Pivots—phrases that signal a shift in perspective, making your speech sound more professional and balanced.
🔍 Analysis of the Text
Look at how the article handles a conflict between two groups:
*"Developing countries argue... On the other hand, pharmaceutical companies claim..."
Instead of saying "Developing countries want vaccines but companies disagree," the author uses "On the other hand." This creates a mental 'scale' for the reader, weighing two different arguments.
🛠️ The B2 Upgrade Kit
Swap your basic connectors for these a-bit-more-advanced options found in the text or implied by its tone:
-
Instead of 'But' Use 'However'
- A2: The system is good but it is expensive.
- B2: The system is effective; however, the initial cost is high.
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Instead of 'And' Use 'Furthermore'
- A2: It is cheap and it saves lives.
- B2: The cost of detection is low. Furthermore, it prevents trillions in economic losses.
💡 Pro Tip: The 'Claim' Verb
Notice that the text doesn't just use the word 'say'. It uses:
- Argue: To give a reason for a belief.
- Claim: To state something is true, even if others disagree.
- Assert: To state something with confidence and force.
Challenge your brain: Next time you describe a problem, don't just say "I think... but they think..." Try: "I assert that X is true; however, some may claim that Y is more important."