ICFAW side event at WOAH General Session

Improving the welfare of animals is an investment for future global health. In this event, we raise awareness about the UN Environment Assembly's call for a report on the nexus between animal welfare, the environment, and sustainable development. We also explore animal welfare as an effective means to prevent health crises, such as antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic outbreaks. Join us!

ICFAW side event at 99th WOAH General Session on Animal Welfare & One Health - Monday 22 May 2023 - 11:30-13:00

The recognition that there is a link between animal health and animal welfare is what has prompted WOAH to expand its mandate and start working on animal welfare. Similarly, the acknowledgement that animal welfare can contribute to addressing environmental challenges, promoting the One Health approach and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, has triggered a call from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to work in collaboration with the WOAH,  the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the One Health High-Level Expert Panel on matters related to animal welfare and its nexus with human health and the environment, through a One Health approach (see  Resolution (UNEP/EA.5/Res.1,).

This event aims to provide theoretical and empirical insights on the integration of animal welfare measures within One Health policies. The goal is to provide enough context and examples to make participants leave the event confident that adopting animal welfare measures is an investment in preventing health crises (such as AMR, zoonoses) rather than an additional cost to often limited public budgets.

Agenda

  • Opening: Roly Owers, Chair of ICFAW

  • Setting the scene: unveiling the Nexus & moderator: James Yeates, CEO of the World Federation for Animals

  • Animal Welfare and the Sustainable development goals: Leopoldo Stuardo, Scientific Coordinator, Animal welfare, WOAH Standards Department 

  • One Health Case studies in Africa: Manuelle Miller, Veterinary Without Borders

  • One Health perception in Americas : Edilberto Britto, WOAH Delegate from Colombia

  • Debate led by Moderator, James Yeates (CEO of WFA)

ICFAW SecretariatMaison de la Chimie