Exploring Global Health Law and Governance: Insights from ONeill Institute Experts

The seminar featured the presentations of Katherine Ginsbach, Senior Associate with the Center for Transformational Health Law at the O’Neill Institute, and Kashish Aneja, Lead of Initiatives in Asia at the O’Neill Institute.

Katherine Ginsbach opened the seminar by presenting a macro-level analysis of global health law, emphasizing its distinctiveness from traditional international law. While international law primarily operates through nation-state frameworks, global health law, Ginsbach explained, is defined by broader mechanisms like those implemented by the WHO. These mechanisms transcend national boundaries, encompassing diverse actors from private entities to civil society groups. She further underscored the interdisciplinary nature of global health law, highlighting its intersections with trade law, environmental law, and human rights law. “The complexity of global health governance lies in its reliance on formal and informal institutions and their engagement with multiple actors, shaping norms, policies, and practices,” she noted.

Kashish Aneja then delivered a comprehensive overview of the current negotiations of the Pandemic Treaty. Kashish emphasized the universal impact of pandemics, such as COVID-19, and pointed to systemic issues within the WHO framework, including inefficiencies in countries’ reporting systems and unequal vaccine access. “These challenges have made it clear that the world needs a pandemic treaty to prepare better for, prevent, and respond to future health crises,” Kashish stated. He provided a comprehensive history of the WHO’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) and its efforts toward constructing such a treaty. He also introduced the draft treaty, outlining its potential key elements and structural considerations.

This seminar underscored the necessity of robust legal and institutional frameworks to tackle emerging global health challenges, promoting interdisciplinary solutions and fostering equity in global health governance.

Kashish Aneja concluded the seminar by sharing his insights as an alumnus of Georgetown Law, highlighting the advantages of studying at such a prestigious institution. He emphasized the unique opportunities available through O’Neill Institute’s numerous programs, particularly the diverse range of internships and practical experiences that complement academic learning. Kashish noted that the program’s interdisciplinary approach and access to an extensive professional network were instrumental in shaping his career and providing him with a global perspective on legal practice. He encouraged aspiring legal professionals to consider O’Neill Institute as a place where they can not only deepen their expertise but also build connections that last a lifetime.