India is gearing up to host the 33rd Conference of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific.
The event is slated to take place from November 13 to 16, 2023, in New Delhi. The conference will be inaugurated and concluded by Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, underscoring India’s commitment to the welfare of animals and the promotion of animal health. Additionally, Union Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Dr. Sanjeev Balyan and Dr. L Murugan, will also grace the event.
The decision to host this prestigious event was first reached during the 90th General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of WOAH, held in Paris in May 2023. The iconic Hotel Taj Mahal, in the heart of the national capital, has been chosen as the venue for this significant conference.
Organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, moreover, this conference is expected to draw delegates from 36 member countries, including India. The gathering will also witness the participation of senior officers from regional and international organizations, along with representatives from the private sector and private veterinary organizations within the region.
About the conference:
The Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health, in anticipation of the conference, stressed the importance of addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Director General highlighted the need for scientific expertise in assessing risks at the human-animal-environment interface, the necessity of building resilience and capacity in Veterinary Services to respond to future challenges, and the importance of strengthening partnerships for coordinated efforts.
It is pertinent to note that the 33rd Conference of the WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific promises to be a pivotal event in the realm of animal health and welfare. With India as the host nation, it is set to facilitate the convergence of experts and stakeholders, fostering collaborative efforts to address the dynamic challenges in the field of animal health and well-being.
