New Delhi: India played host to the 33rd Conference of the WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific, a significant gathering that took place from November 13 to 16, 2023, in New Delhi. The inauguration and conclusion ceremonies were conducted by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala. The event also saw the presence of Union Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. Sanjeev Balyan and Dr. L Murugan.
The decision to hold this event in India was finalized during the 90th General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the WOAH in Paris in May 2023. The prestigious Hotel Taj Mahal, New Delhi, served as the venue for this noteworthy conference.
Organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, the conference attracted delegates from 36 member countries, including India, as well as senior officers from regional and international organizations, and representatives from the private sector and private veterinary organizations in the region.
Against the backdrop of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference emphasized the critical role of scientific expertise in assessing risks at the human-animal-environment interface. It also underscored the necessity to enhance resilience and capacity in Veterinary Services for future challenges. These face-to-face Regional Conferences provide a platform for closer contact, active dialogue, and meaningful debates among delegates, invited experts, and key regional partners. The week-long event was anticipated to foster valuable discussions and build essential networking relationships.