FAO Global Conference on Animal Health Innovation, Reference Centres and Vaccines
Improving animal health for sustainable livestock transformation and One Health implementation
23/09/2024 - 25/09/2024
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is organizing its first-ever Global Conference on Animal Health Innovation, Reference Centres and Vaccines from 23 to 25 September at FAO headquarters. The event aims to advance global efforts to enhance animal health, prevent disease outbreaks, and promote sustainable livestock production and One Health implementation, all while protecting human health and food security.
This conference will provide a forum for FAO Members to discuss major challenges and priorities in animal health and One Health. With the active participation of reference centres, vaccine developers and producers, veterinary laboratories, research institutions, and development partners, it will serve as a collaborative platform to develop targeted solutions, foster innovation to tackle global and regional issues, and advocate for best practices to transform the livestock sector.
In line with FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the theme highlights the importance of strengthening the reference centres networks and increase accessibility of quality vaccines and support vaccination strategies aimed at improving animal health to make livestock systems more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable, including safeguarding public health and facilitating trade in livestock and animal products.
Objectives
- Provide Member countries with a platform for collaborative support in addressing key priorities and challenges across diverse regions.
- Offer a comprehensive overview of FAO's mandate in controlling animal and zoonotic diseases, managing health emergencies, facilitating vaccine procurement, and advancing capacity-building s aligned with the SDGs.
- Create platform between FAO Members and stakeholders, to develop targeted solutions, drive innovation, and advocate for sustainable livestock transformation.
- Highlight the critical role of veterinary vaccines in disease control and eradication, underscoring current challenges and exploring innovative approaches in vaccinology, and ensuring the availability, accessibility of high-quality vaccines for effective animal health protection.
Multimedia
Recordings
Day 1 | 23 September
- Opening and High-level panel | 09:30 - 10:20
- Session 1. Setting the scene: international visions in advancing animal health | 10:20 - 12:30
- Session 2. Improving animal health for sustainable livestock transformation and Session 3. Animal health innovation and emerging technology | 14:00 - 17:00
Day 2 | 24 September
- Session 4. Reference Centres and support networks | 09:00 - 10:30
- Session 5. Regional support laboratory and national capacity building for the future | 10:30 - 12:00
- Session 6. Securing the supply of safe, effective, and affordable veterinary vaccines | 14:00 - 15:30
- Session 7. Maximizing vaccination impact and enhanced quality | 15:30 - 17:00
Day 3 | 25 September
- Session 8. Sustainable solutions for animal health and climate resilience and Session 9. Strengthening multistakeholder collaboration / Public Private Partnerships| 09:00 - 12:00
- Closing session | 13:30 - 15:00
Side events
Sheikh Zayed Centre (in the Atrium, Ground Floor) | Iran Room (B016)
Side events
Day 1 | 23 September
Join us at a showcase of the work that FAO ECTAD has done around the world. Topics covered include:
• How FAO’s work through the ECTAD programme has strengthened national animal health systems and global health security over the last two decades.
• The achievements and success stories from the field that have been realized through FAO ECTAD projects, showcasing the collaboration between FAO and Member Nations.
• How investing in FAO ECTAD’s programme has led to further resource mobilization for the Organization and increased ownership by Member Nations in terms of strengthening their animal health systems.
Highlighting the roles of animal health innovations, vaccines, and roles of reference centres to implement RENOFARM initiative focusing on farm 5 Goods.
Watch recordingObjectives:
• Discuss the challenges faced by youth in the Animal Health sector.
• Showcase successful youth stories and provide a platform for youth empowerment.
• Advocate for the inclusion of youth perspectives in global agricultural policies in the Animal Health sector.
Day 2 | 24 September
This side event provides a forum to gather expert opinion on key strategic approaches as well as share good practices through ongoing initiatives that aim to effectively manage zoonotic disease risks and prevention of pandemic threats at the animal source through the One Health approach within the frameworks of FAO Sustainable Livestock Transformation and One Health in Agrifood Systems for Global Health and Food Security.
Watch recordingThis side event aims to provide a platform for addressing the challenges in accessing quality vaccines and developing solutions to bridge confidence gaps in vaccine use.
Day 3 | 25 September
A special event marking the 30th anniversary of the Emergency Prevention System (EMPRES) for Transboundary Animal and Plant pests and diseases, a flagship programme of FAO. Since its establishment in 1994, EMPRES has played a critical role in safeguarding global food security by preventing and controlling the spread of transboundary pests and diseases affecting animals and plants, aquaculture, forestry, and food safety.
This event will highlight EMPRES' key achievements over the past three decades and explore future strategies to continue protecting livelihoods and promoting sustainable agrifood systems and One Health implementation. The session will feature success stories, expert insights, and interactive discussions on pest and disease management.
Watch recording
Documents
Programme
2024
Publications
Success stories
Related links
FAO publishes continental atlas of tsetse flies in Africa
Animal Production and Health Division (NSA)