Driving Governance Reform for Animal Health

The Governance Review Committee (GRC) is examining how WOAH’s governance can better serve its Members and strengthen global animal health in a rapidly changing global context. During recent GRC meetings in September and November 2025, discussions focused on making governance more transparent, efficient and representative, and ensuring the Organisation remains responsive to Members’ priorities.

Governance Reforms in Focus: Highlights from GRC-6 and GRC-7

The GRC has made steady progress in strengthening WOAH’s institutional and regional governance. At GRC-6, the Committee explored future roles and functions of the Council and Regional Commissions and how they can collaborate more effectively to tackle global and regional animal health priorities. It also began looking at ways to strengthen support for Delegates through their advisors in the WOAH Assembly and Council.

At GRC-7, held in Paris and online, discussions expanded to three critical areas of governance reform:

• Codifying WOAH’s Mandate – reinforcing WOAH’s global leadership in animal health.

• Financial Governance – reviewing WOAH’s statutory contribution model and resource mobilisation strategy to safeguard WOAH’s long-term sustainability and its ability to deliver for Members and the global animal health community.

• Technical Governance – improving how WOAH’s technical bodies (Specialist Commissions, ad hoc Groups and Working Groups) are structured and work together to develop WOAH standards, official animal health status assessments and other critical scientific and technical outputs.

To maintain momentum, the GRC created two subgroups focused on WOAH’s mandate and the organisation of technical bodies.

Why It Matters: Building a Future-Ready Organisation

The span of reforms recommended by the GRC will ensure that WOAH’s governance is strong, transparent and fit for present and future challenges. They will enable the Organisation to continue delivering global contributions to animal health and welfare in an efficient, effective, sustainable and inclusive way.

What’s Coming Up: Key Dates to Watch

• Next GRC Meetings: January and February 2026.
• GRC Report to the 93rd General Session: March 2026.

How to Get Involved

Regional consultations with WOAH Members are ongoing – Delegates and other contact points should watch for the next round in December or early 2026.

Additionally, Delegates can track GRC progress directly through the Delegate Portal, which provides meeting documents, background papers and summaries.

All Members are encouraged to stay engaged by sharing their ideas and feedback with their regional GRC representatives. Together, we are building a stronger, more transparent Organisation fit for the future, advancing animal health and welfare for a healthier, more sustainable world.

Contact: GRC Secretariat ([email protected])

---