Global Events, General session

91st General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates

91st General Session_A shepherd and sheep walking towards the sunset

From 26/05/2024 to 30/05/2024

9:00am - 6:30pm (GMT+1:00)

Event based in Maison de la Chimie, Paris

The 91^st General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates took place on
Sunday, 26 to Thursday, 30 May 2024 at the Maison de La Chimie in Paris, France.

The 2024 Session held a special significance as WOAH marks its 100th anniversary. During the five-day event, our global network came together to celebrate WOAH’s rich history and dynamic present. We also explored ways we can collaboratively shape a sustainable future for global animal health and welfare.

Opening Ceremony

Explore the inaugural addresses

2024 Awardees

Read about the awardees

The invitation-only event convened 183 WOAH Members and representatives from international organisations who have signed an official agreement with WOAH. The Session also brought together observer countries and territories, WOAH key stakeholders, and special guests. During this important institutional event, the World Assembly of Delegates adopted administrative and technical resolutions and proceeded to elections for vacancies within some of the governing bodies of the Organisation.

As part of the 91^st General Session, WOAH hosted a one-of-its-kind interactive Forum, inspired by WOAH’s 100^th Anniversary Participatory Foresight Project (PFP). This innovative Forum opened space for dialogue, knowledge exchange, collective exploration of emerging futures, and highlighted challenges, and opportunities in our rapidly evolving world. More specifically, the Forum provided an avenue for reflection, assisting WOAH and its Membership in making thoughtful, long-term decisions to enhance WOAH’s Basic Texts and current governance structures.

Explore the programme

Watch the session replays

Inaugural addresses

Explore the programme

Watch the session replays

Awards and Recognition

WOAH recognises the winners of the Animal Health Achievement Awards in 2024.
The award ceremony took place on 26 May during the annual General Session.

The Organisation’s President, Dr Hugo Federico Idoyaga Benítez and Director General, Dr Monique Éloit joined the World Assembly of Delegates in officially recognising the achievements of the four award recipients and commending these individuals for the leading role they have played in animal and public health, which has enabled us to work towards a healthier, safer and more sustainable world.

Gold Medal

This award is granted annually to one person in recognition of their outstanding service in the field of veterinary science and their contribution to the scientific and technological development of the Organisation’s activities.

Dr Mark Schipp

Australia

Dr Mark Schipp, a global authority in animal health, biosecurity and antimicrobial resistance, has made significant contributions to animal health in Australia and beyond over three decades.

As the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer and WOAH Delegate, Dr Schipp demonstrated exceptional crisis management skills, leading critical responses to animal disease outbreaks. During his tenure as President of the WOAH Council (2018-2021), he navigated the Organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on enhancing Member engagement, improving governance and transparency, and amplifying the voice of global Veterinary Services and WOAH.

“Dr Mark Schipp is a leader and active contributor to WOAH activities, reflecting his value for multilateralism and the global rules-based order”.
– Dr Beth Cookson, Delegate of Australia

Read more about Dr Schipp

Dr Schipp championed the development of WOAH’s 7th Strategic Plan, encouraging input from all Members. A strong advocate for One Health, Dr Schipp highlighted the risks of wildlife wet markets in zoonoses following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through WOAH, he pushed for the recognition of Veterinary Services and animal health sectors in the development of WHO’s international instrument for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. His proactive approach to issues such as antimicrobial resistance reflects a deep commitment to both national and international health standards, affirming his status as a respected leader in veterinary science.

His professional experiences include:

2011-2023: Chief Veterinary Officer, Australia
2006-2010: General Manager, Export Standards, Australia
2006: Appointed to the Senior Executive Service, Australian Government
2003-2006: Australian Agriculture Counsellor, Beijing, China (established this position)
2000-2003: Australian Agriculture Counsellor in Seoul, South Korea
1994-2000: Veterinary Officer, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service in export abattoir, Australia
1992: Research honours in veterinary biology, Murdoch University, Australia
1989-1993: District Veterinary Officer, Western Australia

His awards and memberships include:

– Honorary doctorate in veterinary medicine from Melbourne University, Australia, 2022
– Honorary fellow of the Australia New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, 2021
– Recognised as a Distinguished Alumni of Murdoch University, 2012
– Australia Day achievement award for market access activities in North Asia, 2004
– Research honours in veterinary biology at Murdoch University, 1992
– Former Australian Delegate and Executive Committee Chair, FAO Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and Pacific
– Member, ACT Veterinary Practitioners Board
– Councillor for Australia, Commonwealth Veterinary Association
– Member, Pacific Heads of Veterinary & Production Services (PHOVAPS)
Council Member, Australian Animal Health Laboratory
– Strategic Policy Group Advisor, Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
– Past Chair, Animal Health Committee
– Past Chair, Wildlife Health Australia
– Co-chair, Australian Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on AMR
– Past Commonwealth Member Representative, Animal Health Australia
– Past Chair, Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases

Dr Mark Schipp is an internationally published author [PubMed].

Meritorious Award

In recognition of the scientific, technical and administrative contribution to the control of animal disease, animal welfare and/or veterinary public health.

Dr Lisa Marie_91st WOAH General Session awardee_Animal Health — © *Dr Torchetti*

Dr (Lisa Marie) Mia Kim Torchetti

United States of America

Dr Mia Kim Torchetti is a recognised expert in avian influenza, swine influenza virus and Newcastle disease. She has played a crucial role in shaping global animal health policies and practices.

Dr Torchetti’s leadership within the OFFLU network, particularly as Chair of the Steering Committee and a current member of the Executive Committee, underscores her commitment to advancing our knowledge of animal influenza. Moreover, her efforts in representing OFFLU at WHO Vaccine Composition meetings and her work in developing a South American laboratory network exemplify her dedication to improving animal and public health worldwide.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the current severe outbreak of HPAI – which is larger than the 2014-2015 outbreak – Dr Torchetti has effectively led the national laboratory responses in animals, leveraging connections with other laboratorians and scientists.”
– Dr Rosemary B. Sifford, Delegate of the United States of America

Read more about Dr Torchetti

Her professional experiences include:

2019-present: Director, Diagnostic Virology Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS), Diagnostic & Biologicals (DB), National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL), Ames, Iowa, United States of America (USA)
2013-2019: Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer for the Diagnostic Virology Laboratory: Avian Section Head, USDA APHIS VS DB NVSL, Ames, Iowa, USA
2008-2012: Veterinary Laboratory Specialist, Deputy Coordinator, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Rome, Italy

Her awards and memberships include:
– United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certificate of Merit for Service and Professionalism in the National Highly Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) response, 2023
– USDA Administrator’s Award for Veterinary Services Nebraska Response Team, 2023
– USDA Administrator’s Award for APHIS HPAI Response Team, 2022
– US Animal Health Association Federal Partnership Award for HPAI Response, 2022
– USDA Veterinary Services Scientist of the Year, 2021
– USDA Administrator’s Award for APHIS SARS-CoV-2 Response, 2021
– USDA Under Secretary’s Award for Virulent Newcastle Disease Response, 2020
– USDA Administrator’s Award for Partnership and Collaboration on Newcastle Disease, 2020
– USDA Certificate of Appreciation for Dedication to Newcastle Disease Response, 2019
– USDA National Wildlife Research Center Award for Surveillance in Synanthropic Wildlife, 2017
– Abraham Lincoln Honor Award for Effectively Responding to the Largest Animal Health Emergency in the United States to Date, 2016
– 2016 finalist for the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals for the Avian team’s work to stop the spread of HPAI in the United States in 2015.
– 2015 USDA Award for HPAI Task Force.
– 2013 USDA Secretary’s Honor Award for coordinated ARS/APHIS response to the Chinese H7N9 avian influenza outbreak, providing critical scientific data necessary for control and diagnosis of the virus nationally and internationally.
– United States Animal Health Association
– American Association of Avian Pathologists
– American Veterinary Medical Association
– The American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians

Dr Mia Kim Torchetti is a widely published author [PubMed – Scopus].

Meritorious Award

In recognition of the scientific, technical and administrative contribution to the control of animal disease, animal welfare and/or veterinary public health.

Dr Edmund Peeler

United Kingdom

Dr Edmund Peeler has been instrumental in shaping aquatic animal health standards globally. His expertise as the United Kingdom’s Focal Point for aquatic animals and later as Vice President of the WOAH Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission has been pivotal in advancing international health guidelines in the aquatic sector.

His leadership extended to training programmes for aquatic animal focal points, orchestrating major conferences, and co-editing significant publications of the Organisation. Notably, Dr Peeler led the development of a new template for the Aquatic Manual, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in this field. His ongoing work continues to influence standards for achieving disease freedom for the pathogen-specific Aquatic Code chapters, reflecting his dedication to improving aquatic animal health worldwide.

“Dr Peeler has supported the development of aquatic animal policy in the United Kingdom for over two decades and more recently the development of aquatic animal health capacity in other countries.”
– Professor Christine Middlemiss,Delegate of the United Kingdom

Meritorious Award

In recognition of the scientific, technical and administrative contribution to the control of animal disease, animal welfare and/or veterinary public health.

Dr Malek Zrelli

Tunisia

Dr Malek Zrelli has made significant contributions to animal and public health through his dedicated work with WOAH. As an elected member of the Regional Commission for Africa, he served as Vice President from 2018 to 2021, playing a pivotal role in shaping veterinary policies and practices in the region.

Dr Zrelli’s active participation in WOAH’s work, particularly in the performance of Veterinary Services and public-private partnerships, led to the development of an important guideline for public-private partnerships in the veterinary domain. Furthermore, his involvement in the Mediterranean Animal Health Network or REMESA was instrumental, notably in the implementation of WOAH programmes for the regional control of rabies and peste des petits ruminants. His efforts in organising the Regional Conference for Africa in Tunisia underscore his commitment to advancing veterinary science in the continent and beyond.

“During his 17 years as the head of the Tunisian Veterinary Services, Dr Malek Zrelli contributed to establishing the sanitary mandate in Tunisia.”
– Dr Sana Kacem, Delegate of Tunisia

Read more about Dr Malek Zrelli

His professional experiences include:

2021-present: Adviser, Cabinet of the Minister of Agriculture, Tunisia
2014-2021: Director General, Chief Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Services, Tunisia
2011-2012: Animal health expert, African Union, Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), Kenya
2001-2011: Director General, Chief Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Services, Tunisia
1996-2002: Director General, The Tunisian Institute of Veterinary Research

His awards and memberships include:
– Officer of the National Order of Tunisia
– Knighthood of the National Order of France
– Association for the Promotion of Health Research
– Veterinary Public Health Association
– Alumni Association, the National Veterinary School, Tunisia
– Tunisian Veterinary Surgeons Association
– Association of Poultry Veterinary Specialists
– Association for the Study of the Epidemiology of Animal Diseases
– Tunisian Wildlife Protection Association
– Veterinary Public Hygiene Association
– Treasurer 1990-1994, National Council of the Order of Veterinarians of Tunisia (Veterinary Statutory Body)

Dr Malek Zrelli is a well-published author [ResearchGate].

Watch the replay

Sunday 26 May

Monday 27 May

Wednesday 29 May

Thursday 30 May

The Forum presented future scenarios related to animal health and welfare, explored WOAH’s potential role in those future landscapes, and invited participants to bring lessons from the futures to help with decision making about WOAH’s Basic Texts. The Forum was open to all participants at the 91^st General Session.

Is WOAH Ready for the Future?

As a result of the devastating societal and economic consequences of “cattle plague” (Rinderpest) the World Organisation for Animal Health was established in 1924. From its humble beginnings with just 28 Members to its current stature encompassing 183 Members, WOAH has navigated a century of change in the landscape of animal health and welfare.

WOAH’s founding members laid the groundwork with a focus on livestock in 1924. But could they have envisioned that Rinderpest would be eradicated 87 years later in 2011? Could they have imagined the breadth of challenges and opportunities that confront us today? As WOAH now addresses wildlife and aquatic animals, antimicrobial resistance, and animal welfare, one can’t help but wonder if, looking forward, the pioneers of this Organisation could have imagined the shape it would take 100 years later.

What Lies Ahead?

The future is uncertain, yet the winds of change whisper of challenges and opportunities on the horizon. Today, WOAH and its Members confront new influences – from changing climates to technological advancements – shaping animal health and welfare.

A Participatory Foresight Project, launched in July 2023, sought to anticipate these changes by engaging WOAH’s Members and stakeholders. During the project, some changes and imagined possible future scenarios for animal health and welfare were explored. These scenarios will be used at the Forum to spark discussions around implications for WOAH, its Members and its governance structures and processes, in particular, its Basic Texts to meet the demands of the twenty-first century.

In parallel to the foresight project, WOAH undertook a comprehensive external and independent review of its Basic Texts and institutional documents. The concerted dedication and effort of WOAH’s Members to implement recommendations from the review will ensure that WOAH’s governance texts are robust and relevant in an ever evolving, dynamic environment. As WOAH evolves, so must its foundational texts and governance mechanisms to ensure resilience in the face of ongoing change.

When is the Future?

The future is now. Embark on an intergenerational journey to explore the evolution of WOAH and contemplate its preparedness for the future. Together, let’s delve into the past, present, and future of WOAH, and ensure that the Organisation remains adaptable and responsive to the challenges of tomorrow.

Explore possible future scenarios

Possible Futures

Three possible future scenarios were developed for the Forum, based on those designed by participants of the Participatory Foresight project. Participants at the General Session were invited to explore the scenarios to prepare for the Session’s Forum. During the Forum, participants were invited to consider the following:

How is your role different in this future?
What challenges do you face? What opportunities are emerging?
Who are you working with and who haven’t you worked with before?
What kind of knowledge do you need? What resources do you need?

Now think about WOAH in the future:

In this future, how has WOAH adapted to these conditions?
What is WOAH doing differently regarding its mandate, membership, governance?
How has WOAH’s expert base expanded?

During the Forum, Delegates and participants brought lessons back from the future in consideration of the adoption of a resolution to undertake the revision of the Basic Texts.

Objectives

Foster a participatory environment

The Forum aimed to foster a participatory environment for a diverse and intergenerational group of individuals to engage in exploring emerging futures that will influence decision-making for WOAH and Members.

Create a space for reflection

The Forum created a space for reflection to assist WOAH and its Members to agree that the Basic Texts and current governance structures should be revised for agility, resilience and
future-readiness.

Format

The Forum consisted of three sessions:

Session 1 “Reflecting on the Present”

This session set the stage with an introduction to the Forum, recognising the intergenerational nature and the diversity of experience associated with the Organisation. There was a panel discussion with some Council Members and representatives from the International Veterinary Students’ Association as the potential next generation of WOAH experts and Delegates.

Session 2 “Journey to the Future”

This session involves breakout groups to engage participants in exploring future scenarios. This exercise aimed to challenge the status quo of WOAH’s Basic Texts and governance and create shared understanding of potential futures as the context for future ambitions.

Session 3 “Acting Today to Prepare for Tomorrow”

The final session provided a summary from the breakout groups to share lessons learned from the future that can inform decisions for the present. This included reporting back from the next generation, and presentation of the resolution to agree to review the Basic Texts, which was presented for adoption on 30 May 2024 at the General Session.

Agenda

Monday 27 May 2024
Time	Session
11:00 am – 12:30 pm	Session 1 “Reflecting on the Present”
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm	Session 2 “Journey to the Future”
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm	Session 3 “Acting Today to Prepare for Tomorrow”

Exhibition stands

Discover

Side events

Discover

Bringing WOAH Standards closer to the user – improving accessibility and engagement

Learn about the new WOAH Standards Navigation Tool, designed to revolutionise how you access WOAH Standards on the WOAH website. The new Tool will provide a modern interface to display and search WOAH International Standards (Terrestrial Code, Aquatic Code, Terrestrial Manual and Aquatic Manual) and also includes the ability to visualise recommendations for safe international trade by commodity.

Come and see the new Tool and also learn about how WOAH’s Standards are developed and how you can participate, as well as the latest developments in this process. Bring your curiosity and any questions.

Discovering STAR-IDAZ IRC: Leading the Way in Animal Health Research

Opening Dates: Monday 27 May to Thursday 30 May 2024

The STAR-IDAZ International Research Consortium brings together different research funders and stakeholders from over 50 countries, united in the mission to accelerate the development of disease control tools and strategies for enhancing animal health.

Discover STAR-IDAZ research priority areas, latest activities and opportunities for collaboration. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to shape the future of veterinary science! Join us at the STAR-IDAZ IRC stand and contribute to the advancement of animal health on a global scale.

More resources

STAR-IDAZ brochure

Learn more
Video – Learn more about STAR-IDAZ

Watch the video

New Disease Status Management Platform (DSMP) – Annual Reconfirmation of official status

Opening dates: Monday 27 May to Thursday 30 May

Learn more about the newly developed Disease Status Management Platform (DSMP), especially the Annual Reconfirmation component launched in November 2023. The Status Department will share information on the ongoing developments of the DSMP and guide Members in navigating the DSMP to take full advantage of the functionalities offered.

At the DSMP stand, Members will also be able to share their experience using the Annual Reconfirmation Component of the DSMP and learn more about the new annual reconfirmation form for BSE. For Members wishing to have a one-on-one session, please contact the Status Department ([email protected]) by 7 May 2024.

The AMR Street – collective progress & actions to curb AMR

Opening dates: Monday 27 May to Thursday 30 May

To curb antimicrobial resistance (AMR) collaboration across sectors, at global, regional and national levels, among private and public entities, all together, is essential. The AMR Street will provide you with information on:

The AMR Multi-Stakeholders Partnership Platform, a global and inclusive forum created by Quadripartite partners
Priority actions to close the gaps in animal health, in light of the upcoming High-Level Meeting on AMR to be held at the 79th UN General Assembly in September 2024
WOAH’s activities facilitating the implementation of WOAH’s AMR Strategy by Members (i.e., ANIMUSE System, AMR actions in aquatic animals, alert system for substandard and falsified veterinary medicines, etc.)
Specific actions to promote responsible use of antimicrobials in companion animals, in close partnership with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

WOAH Regions

Opening dates: Monday 27 May to Thursday 30 May

Explore further into the activities of WOAH’s regional offices. The team will open space for interactive discussions, allowing Members delve deeper into the support that WOAH offers. In addition, this stand will provide an opportunity to share some engaging pieces of regional history and culture, through an interactive exchange.

Publications, documentation and archives

Opening dates: Monday 27 May to Thursday 30 May

As part of WOAH’s centenary programme, the Publications, documentation and archives stand will showcase WOAH’s flagship publications, provide more information about the Documentary Portal, historical archives, the cross-functional archiving approach adopted over the last year and the comprehensive work being carried out to preserve the Organisation’s Memory.

PVS and Training: WOAH Capacity Building System

Opening dates: Monday 27 May to Thursday 30 May

Identify means and tools to strengthen Members’ capacities to implement international standards for animal health and welfare.

Discover new initiatives such as PVS Information System (PVS IS), Community Animal Health Workers guidelines & eLearning modules.
Book a bilateral meeting to explore Public-Private Partnerships, One Health, Sustainable Laboratories, Development, or Legislation.
Explore the future of veterinary training: dive into WOAH’s new, engaging eLearning modules, where learning meets innovation.
Sign up for a discussion group to express your needs and next steps towards empowering your VS.

Rabies

Opening dates: Monday 27 May to Thursday 30 May

Find out more about available tools and resources that can support in developing and implementing national strategic plans for rabies control.

Discover, Learn, Act: Wildlife Health

Opening dates: Monday 27 May to Thursday 30 May

Discover more on the wildlife health framework and the importance of addressing wildlife health/biodiversity loss, WOAH’s actions related to this, and what the next 100 years should hold.

WAHIS: World Animal Health Information System

Opening dates: Monday 27 May to Thursday 30 May

Visit the WAHIS stand to learn about WAHIS and WAHIAD’s activities and the benefits of connecting to WAHIS. At the WAHIS stand, our team will:

reinforce the key messages of why, what, when, where, and how to report.
showcase the improved functionalities of WAHIS, the business tool.
highlight the various user support and training options currently available.
explain the next steps in WAHIS development (Six-Monthly Report module, Annual Report module, ADIS-WAHIS interconnection).
capture feedback from reporting and consulting users of WAHIS.
update stakeholders on progress with the interim solution for annual reporting of non-listed diseases of wildlife (WAHIS-WILD Beta).

Side events

BIO-PREVAIL – A health security initiative for sustainable laboratories

Date: Monday 27 May, 9am
Venue: Room 233

Fully functional diagnostic laboratories play a critical role in global efforts to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, but such facilities are often unsustainable due to high costs and technology barriers.

BIO-PREVAIL aims to generate innovative solutions for labs to be operated in low-resource environments, with the objective of meaningfully and sustainably strengthening global health security.

Tackling Agro-crime: Bringing Veterinary Services and Law Enforcement together

Date: Monday 27 May, 12:30pm
Venue: Room 262

This side event aims to engage Members in discussions on agro-crime. Through engaging discussions, the event will raise more awareness about agro-crime and its implications.

The interactive one-hour session will provide a platform to explore the challenges and experiences of Members regarding agro-crime while also gathering valuable feedback from Members to improve strategies for combating agro-crime.

19th Advisory Committee of the WOAH World Fund

Date: Monday 27 May, 12:30pm
Venue: Room 251

GF-TADs 14th Global steering committee

Date: Monday 27 May, 12:30pm
Venue: Petit Amphitheatre

During this side event, the GF-TADs HPAI Strategy will be presented. The event will open space for discussions about its future implementation and governance.

High-level addresses will be exchanged regarding the GF-TADs mechanism, which was initiated 20 years ago. We will also discuss recommendations from the previous sessions of GF-TADs Steering Committee held on 30 April and 7 May.

Implementation of WOAH standards on zoning: an overview of the Observatory’s work

Date: Monday 27 May, 12:30pm
Venue: Room 201

Does zoning have an impact on disease control? Are WOAH standards on zoning implemented? How are disease-free zones recognised by trade partners?
Come over to discover and discuss the findings of the Observatory’s first thematic study on zoning.

A panel will first outline the background around WOAH standards, zoning and the Observatory. Then, key elements of the zoning thematic study will be presented: an overview of the descriptive report and the exclusive results of the analysis of the factors influencing zone recognition by trade partners.

PVS Pathway Information System (PVS IS) training for Members – English

Date: Monday 27 May, 12:30pm
Venue: Room 232

This side event will be conducted in English.

What trends exist from the past 18 years of the PVS Pathway? How has my country’s performance changed since our engagement in the PVS Pathway? On what recommendations should we focus for our country’s VS investment case?

Step into the PVS IS to find out how to use PVS data, insights, and dashboards contained therein to support VS efforts to develop investment cases and strategic plans for performance maintenance and improvement. The training will focus on Members’ views and tools.

PVS Pathway Information System (PVS IS) training for Members – Spanish

Date: Monday 27 May, 12:30pm
Venue: Room 234

This side event will be conducted in Spanish.

Step into the PVS IS to find out how to use PVS data, insights, and dashboards contained therein to support VS efforts to develop investment cases and strategic plans for performance maintenance and improvement. The training focus on Members’ views and tools.

PVS Pathway Information System (PVS IS) training for Partners – English

Date: Tuesday 28 May, 12:30pm
Venue: Room 232

This side event will be conducted in English.

What trends exist from the past 18 years of the PVS Pathway? How has global performance changed over WOAH Members’ engagement in the PVS Pathway? On what recommendations, strengths and weaknesses should partners and donors focus for investment in the Veterinary Services?

Step into the PVS IS to find out how to use PVS data, insights, and dashboards contained therein to support VS efforts to develop investment cases and projects for performance maintenance and improvement. The training will focus on Partners’ views and tools.

Meeting of the Global Coordination Committee for ASF

Date: Tuesday 28 May, 12:30pm
Venue: Room 262

PVS Information System (PVS IS) training for Members – Russian

Date: Wednesday 29 May, 1pm
Venue: Room 232

This side event will be conducted in Russian only.

Public-Private Partnerships to Strengthen Veterinary Services

Date: Thursday 30 May, 1pm
Venue: Room 251

WOAH values and encourages public and private stakeholders’ participation in its activities, including standard setting and implementation, sharing of best practices and guidelines development, training, response guidance, and improving veterinary services. WOAH has been working actively to build its Members’ partnership capacity by producing PPP guidelines, a Database, e-learning courses, and PPP Targeted Support.

Be part of an exciting brainstorming exercise alongside public and private stakeholders from national, regional, and global organizations, and help shape the future of PPPs.

PVS Pathway Information System training for Members – French

Date: Thursday 30 May, 1pm
Venue: Room 69

What trends exist from the past 18 years of the PVS Pathway? How has my country’s performance changed since our engagement in the PVS Pathway? On what recommendations should we focus for our country’s VS investment case? Step into the PVS IS to find out how to use PVS data, insights, and dashboards contained therein to support VS efforts.

Final Report

Report, Final

91GS Final Report

.pdf – 1 MB See the document

Final Resolutions

Resolutions, Final

Resolutions adopted by the Assembly during the 91st General Session May 2024

.pdf – 548 KB See the document

Working Documents

The 91^st Annual General Session took place in Paris from Sunday 26 to Thursday 30 May 2024. The event brought together over 1, 100 participants, including representatives from 183 WOAH Members, as well as representatives from international and regional organisations, observer countries and territories, key stakeholders and several Ministers.

During the five-day event, attendees from all over the world participated in the event’s discussions. National Delegates adopted new Resolutions and made commitments to ensure that the Organisation remains adaptable and responsive to the challenges of tomorrow. A dedicated Forum was organised to explore WOAH’s potential role in future landscapes, while bringing lessons from those futures to help with decision making about WOAH’s Basic Texts.

Outcomes

Over 1, 100 participants from 166 countries and territories

joined the event in person – including representatives of Members as well as scientists and observers from partner organisations.

12 Ministers

2 high-level representatives and the Quadripartite principals addressed the Assembly during the Opening Ceremony

#WOAHGS

over 2500 people engaged in the discussion on social media

Main achievements

Resolutions

adopted by Delegates to improve animal health and welfare globally

International Standards

adopted or revised in the field of terrestrial and aquatic animal disease prevention and control, animal welfare, diagnostic methods and vaccine quality

Terrestrial Code

new chapters

revised chapters

Terrestrial Manual

revised chapters

Aquatic Code

revised chapters

Aquatic Manual

new chapter

revised chapters

5 new animal health status were recognised

A strengthened network

12

New centres of scientific excellence
for a total of 350 Reference Centres located in 48 countries to provide scientific and technical support

Newly elected members of WOAH’s governance bodies

Director General

Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran
(2024-2029)

Dr Susana Guedes Pombo
(Delegate of Portugal)

New President

of the World Assembly of Delegates (2024-2027)

Past President

Dr Hugo Federico Idoyaga Benítez
(Delegate of Paraguay)

Dr Fajer Al Salloom
(Delegate of Bahrain)

New Vice President

of the World Assembly of Delegates (2024-2027)

6
new council members

Dr Roland Xolani Dlamini (Delegate of Eswatini)
Dr Mbargou Lo (Delegate of Senegal)
Dr Wilmer José Juárez Juárez (Delegate of Nicaragua)
Dr Mary van Andel (Delegate of New Zealand)
Dr Masatsugu Okita (Delegate of Japan)
Dr Christine Middlemiss (Delegate of United Kingdom)

Article, General Session

WOAH Members adopt a revised standard on animal welfare during slaughter
Article, General Session

Vector-borne diseases surveillance: a global health imperative

News

Press Release

Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran elected as new Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health

Published on 28/05/2024
News

Revised standards: strengthened actions to contain AMR

Published on 30/05/2024
News

Acting today to prepare for tomorrow

Published on 13/05/2024
News

Five countries receive official recognition of animal health status from WOAH

Published on 30/05/2024

Read our latest stories

News

Acting today to prepare for tomorrow

Published on 13/05/2024
Press Release

Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran elected as new Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health

Published on 28/05/2024
News

Five countries receive official recognition of animal health status from WOAH

Published on 30/05/2024

Article, General Session

WOAH Members adopt a revised standard on animal welfare during slaughter
Article, General Session

Vector-borne diseases surveillance: a global health imperative

Photos

Accreditation to access the event on site

Kindly complete this online form before Thursday 16 May 2024.

No access will be permitted without prior accreditation. Some sessions will not be open to the press (kindly refer to the programme).

Interview requests

Interviews with participants may be arranged, subject to availability, throughout and after the General Session, by appointment only and with at least 48 hours’ notice.

Do not hesitate to contact us with your list of questions to facilitate the planning and allow us to better meet your expectations: [email protected].

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91st General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates

Opening Ceremony

2024 Awardees

Inaugural addresses

Awards and Recognition

Gold Medal

Dr Mark Schipp

Meritorious Award

Dr (Lisa Marie) Mia Kim Torchetti

Meritorious Award

Dr Edmund Peeler

Meritorious Award

Dr Malek Zrelli

Watch the replay

Sunday 26 May

Monday 27 May

Wednesday 29 May

Thursday 30 May

Is WOAH Ready for the Future?

What Lies Ahead?

When is the Future?

Possible Futures

Objectives

Foster a participatory environment

Create a space for reflection

Format

Session 1 “Reflecting on the Present”

Session 2 “Journey to the Future”

Session 3 “Acting Today to Prepare for Tomorrow”

Agenda

Exhibition stands

Side events

Bringing WOAH Standards closer to the user – improving accessibility and engagement

Discovering STAR-IDAZ IRC: Leading the Way in Animal Health Research

More resources

STAR-IDAZ brochure

Video – Learn more about STAR-IDAZ

New Disease Status Management Platform (DSMP) – Annual Reconfirmation of official status

The AMR Street – collective progress & actions to curb AMR

WOAH Regions

Publications, documentation and archives

PVS and Training: WOAH Capacity Building System

Rabies

Discover, Learn, Act: Wildlife Health

WAHIS: World Animal Health Information System

Side events

BIO-PREVAIL – A health security initiative for sustainable laboratories

Tackling Agro-crime: Bringing Veterinary Services and Law Enforcement together

19th Advisory Committee of the WOAH World Fund

GF-TADs 14th Global steering committee

Implementation of WOAH standards on zoning: an overview of the Observatory’s work

PVS Pathway Information System (PVS IS) training for Members – English

PVS Pathway Information System (PVS IS) training for Members – Spanish

PVS Pathway Information System (PVS IS) training for Partners – English

Meeting of the Global Coordination Committee for ASF

PVS Information System (PVS IS) training for Members – Russian

Public-Private Partnerships to Strengthen Veterinary Services

PVS Pathway Information System training for Members – French

Final Report

Final Resolutions

Working Documents

Administrative Reports

Financial Reports

Technical Reports

Outcomes

Over 1, 100 participants from 166 countries and territories

12 Ministers

#WOAHGS

Main achievements

Resolutions

International Standards

5 new animal health status were recognised

A strengthened network

12

Newly elected members of WOAH’s governance bodies

Director General

New President

Past President

New Vice President

6new council members

6
new council members