The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) recently celebrated its 101st anniversary with a reception hosted by its Regional Representation for Europe in Moscow. The birthday, on 24 January 2025, brought together key stakeholders from European member countries, including ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions, high-level representatives from the Russian Veterinary Services and WOAH Collaborating Centres, the European Union, the Eurasian Economic Commission and partner UN agencies (FAO, WHO and UNEP).
The 101st anniversary celebration aimed to highlight WOAH’s achievements and promote the work of its regional offices in Moscow, Astana and Brussels among the diplomatic corps, to reflect on WOAH’s century-long legacy and to discuss the future of animal health in the face of evolving global challenges. It fostered valuable discussions among participants, including ambassadors and other dignitaries, on the critical importance of animal health to planetary and public health. Discussions highlighted the need to facilitate safe international trade in animals and animal products and to provide strong support for veterinary services as a global public good. Ambassadors and representatives from other regions also attended this remarkable reception, further enriched these discussions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of animal health challenges and the need for global cooperation.
In her address, delivered remotely, Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General of WOAH, thanked those present and underlined the Organization’s enduring mission. “For more than 100 years, WOAH has been at the forefront of improving animal health and welfare,” she said, and highlighted WOAH’s role in protecting against zoonotic diseases, facilitating international trade and establishing international animal health and welfare standards. “By establishing international standards, we have strengthened Veterinary Services worldwide in 183 Member countries, ensuring consistent and reliable diagnostic procedures, prevention and control of animal diseases” she explained. She also acknowledged the complex challenges of the modern world: “The challenges we face today are complex and multifaceted. Emerging diseases, climate change, geopolitical issues and the need for sustainable food production require innovative solutions and global cooperation.
The 101st anniversary celebrations served as a testament to WOAH’s commitment to safeguarding animal health and welfare worldwide, and its dedication to fostering cooperation between nations to achieve this common goal.
Video statement by WOAH Director-GeneralDr Soubeyran expressed her confidence in WOAH's ability to meet these challenges through continued collaboration and innovation
Dr Budimir Plavsic, WOAH Regional Representative for Europe, underlined the historical significance of the Organisation: “…WOAH was founded in 1924 in response to a critical global need. The devastating outbreaks of rinderpest … threatened already vulnerable populations, destroyed countless livestock farms, threatened food security and caused famine”. He cited the 2011 eradication of rinderpest as a best example of international cooperation, achieved through the coordinated efforts of WOAH Members and its leadership: “It is the task of our generations to confront these new challenges with the same passion, commitment, and collaborative spirit as those who came before us.” Furthermore, he stressed the interconnectedness of animal and human well-being, stating, “Animal health is our health. It’s everyone’s health.”
Health of animals is interconnected with public health and environmental protection.
Mr. Sergey Dankvert, Head of the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of the Russian Federation, highlighted the crucial role of WOAH in global animal health and elaborated his successful partnership with the WOAH/OIE for almost 25 years. He also expressed his gratitude for the leadership of present and past WOAH Directors General and management, namely Drs E. Soubeyran, B. Vallat, M. Eloit, N. Belev. He stressed the importance of putting animal health ahead of political considerations and called for increased Russian support for countries in the WOAH European region, citing the significant improvement of animal disease control, free status recognition, increase in consumer protection and confidence in domestic and export markets as a prime example of the benefits of implementing WOAH standards.
The event proved highly successful, with participants expressing admiration for the breadth and impact of WOAH’s 101-year legacy. They pledged their full support and looked forward to closer collaboration and active engagement in future WOAH events, both regionally and globally.
