How will virtual diplomacy impact global health consensus?

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Virtual diplomacy presents significant challenges to building consensus in global health discussions.

The shift to a virtual format for the World Health Assembly (WHA) introduces complexities that hinder the traditional methods of consensus-building, particularly within smaller groups. This virtual environment is expected to heavily influence the proceedings of the upcoming assembly, which is largely dedicated to addressing the Covid-19 crisis. The implications of this format extend to the negotiation of critical resolutions aimed at a coordinated global response.
Challenges in Negotiating Resolutions

The virtual nature of the assembly makes it substantially more difficult to reach agreements, as noted by Nora Kronig, who heads the international affairs division of Switzerland's public health office. She highlighted that negotiating in a virtual setting is "almost impossible" and significantly complicates the process of building consensus in smaller, more intimate group discussions. This difficulty was evident during the "tough" negotiations surrounding a draft resolution focused on the pandemic.
Impact on Consensus and Support

Despite the challenges posed by virtual diplomacy, a tentative agreement has been reached on a draft resolution. This resolution calls for more equitable access to essential medical supplies, potential treatments, and future vaccines. An EU source described the draft as "ambitious," emphasizing that if adopted by consensus as anticipated, it would represent a landmark achievement for a global forum to secure unanimous support for a Covid-19 response text. The resolution also addresses the need for further WHO reform, acknowledging that the organization's existing capacities were insufficient to prevent the current crisis.
The Taiwan Question and Virtual Diplomacy

The virtual format also presents logistical hurdles for contentious issues, such as the United States' demand for Taiwan's observer status at the assembly. Taiwan had previously attended the WHA as an observer until 2016, when a change in Taiwanese leadership led to a refusal to acknowledge the "one China" principle. Diplomatic sources suggest that attempting to hold a vote on this issue during a short, virtual meeting would be an insurmountable logistical challenge, potentially jeopardizing the entire assembly.

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How will virtual diplomacy impact global health consensus?

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