India Hosts 33rd Conference of WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific at New Delhi

Running from November 13 to 16, 2023, the four-day event culminated with a valedictory address by Union Minister Parshottam Rupala. The minister underscored the profound importance of animal welfare within India's cultural tapestry, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and echoing the sentiment of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," signifying a global family.

He further added that the welfare of animals is integral to the ethos of Indian culture and sanskriti, which aligns seamlessly with the modern concept of global One Health movement, emphasizing the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health and the importance of collective efforts for the welfare of all living beings.

The decision to host this event was made during the 90th General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the WOAH in Paris in May 2023. The inaugural session on November 13, 2023, was chaired by Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in the presence of MoS(FAHD), Dr. L. Murugan and other dignitaries. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Dept of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and the Indian delegate in WOAH, was elected as the chairperson for the entire sessions. She highlighted recent initiatives on One Health, G20 Pandemic Fund, Disease surveillance and early waring system, the National Digital Livestock Mission, and their impact on India's overall livestock health scenario.

The delegates, chief veterinary officers and experts from 24 member countries, senior officers from regional and international organizations, and representatives from the private sector and private veterinary organizations in the region, participated physically, with others joining virtually. Dignitaries included Dr. Monique Eloit, WOAH Director General; Dr. Baoxu Huang, Delegate China & President, WOAH Regional Commission of Asia and the Pacific; Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, GoI, and Dr. Hirofumi Kugita, WOAH Regional Representative for Asia and Pacific, Japan.

Indonesia expressed willingness to host the 34th WOAH regional conference for Asia and the Pacific. Dr. Baoxu Huang, President, WOAH, Regional Commission for Asia Pacific, delivered a vote of thanks during the valedictory session.