The WOAH Europe Regional and Sub-Regional Representations featured a range of regional initiatives through a dedicated kiosk at the 93rd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates, held in Paris from 18–22 May 2026. Under the theme “Strengthening Veterinary Services Worldwide: The Role of WOAH Regional Offices in Supporting Members”, the kiosk demonstrated how WOAH Regional and Sub-Regional Representations support Members through capacity building, regional coordination, knowledge sharing, and the implementation of international standards.
WOAH’s Regional Representations play a key role in providing regionally adapted services to Members, helping strengthen animal disease surveillance, prevention and control systems. Working closely with the Regional Commissions, they facilitate cooperation among Members, support regional programmes, and address common animal health and animal welfare challenges. The kiosk complemented the General Session’s Regional Highlights plenary by presenting concrete examples of regional action and achievements across Europe and Central Asia.
Throughout the five-day event, the kiosk highlighted a range of ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening Veterinary Services, emergency preparedness, animal welfare, wildlife health management, disease prevention, and regional cooperation.
Among the featured activities were several initiatives implemented under the WOAH Platform on Animal Welfare for Europe, including the Multi-regional Whole Journey Scenario Workshop on Long-distance Transport by Land and Sea between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, held in Amman, Jordan, in January 2026, as well as the Workshop on Response Plan Development for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction, held in Bucharest, Romania, in July 2025.
Digital innovation was another key theme presented through the development of the new GF-TADs Europe Data Platform for priority transboundary animal diseases. The platform aims to improve data consistency, increase transparency and traceability, automate analysis and reporting processes, and reduce administrative burdens on participating countries while ensuring compatibility with existing systems and international standards.
The Wildlife Health Programme for Europe and Central Asia was also featured at the kiosk. Activities included regional workshops for Wildlife Focal Points and initiatives aimed at strengthening outbreak response, improving wildlife health management, and promoting One Health approaches across the region.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for Delegates, partners, and stakeholders from across the WOAH Membership to learn more about the impact of regional programmes and initiatives implemented throughout Europe and Central Asia. It also facilitated the exchange of experiences, good practices, and lessons learned in key areas.
Through these discussions, participants were able to strengthen professional networks, foster regional cooperation, and identify opportunities for continued collaboration in support of the effective implementation of WOAH standards and the advancement of animal health and animal welfare across the region.
