ABSTRACT
This chapter explores several critical themes around the role of multilateral institutions such the WHO, and other global countermeasures and compliance mechanisms aimed at preventing, disrupting and mitigating against emerging health security threats, risks and hazards beyond COVID-19. Discussion is framed around the need for stronger multi-lateral action on future health security emergencies on the foundation of rising risks in the natural outbreaks from zoonotic transmissions, the risks of lab accidents with the rise of gain of function, and the expansion of science and technology knowledge increasing the potential rise in bioweapons from hostile actors. In particular, the chapter outlines in detail a proposal for investigating ambiguous origin investigations in the future facilitated through an investigative body via WHO and its International Health Regulations. It is argued that this public health rather than security approach might gain more traction from a politically fractured international community where current proposals to establish a new multi-laterally agreed treaty/pandemic agreement for future preparedness and response appear to be in jeopardy.
