Global Events, General session

92nd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates

92nd General Session WOAH_Veterinarian taking care of sheep in a farm
9:00am - 6:30pm (GMT+1:00)
Paris, France
    Overview and Awards

    The 92nd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates took place from Sunday, 25 to Thursday, 29 May 2025 in Paris, France.  
    This invitation-only event convened 183 WOAH Members and representatives from international organisations who have signed an official agreement with WOAH. The 92nd General Session also brought together observer countries and territories, WOAH key stakeholders, and special guests.  
     
    During this important institutional event, the World Assembly of Delegates adopted administrative and technical resolutions and conduct elections to fill vacancies within some of WOAH’s governing bodies.  
     
    Additionally, WOAH dedicated one day of the Session to an innovative animal health forum on vaccines and vaccination. This forum provided a platform for dialogue among WOAH Delegates, subject matter experts, civil society and private sector to discuss the challenges that hinder vaccine development and its use in disease control strategies. During the forum, participants explored the evolving landscape of vaccination and identify actionable strategies to integrate vaccination into national disease control programs while ensuring the safe international trade of animals and their products. 
     
    While being a face-to-face event, all sessions offered simultaneous interpretation in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.

    Explore the full programme

    Awards and Recognition

    WOAH recognises the winners of the 2025 Animal Health Achievement Awards. The award ceremony took place on 25 May during the annual General Session.

    The Organisation’s President Dr Susana Pombo and Director General Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, alongside WOAH World Assembly of Delegates, officially acknowledge the accomplishments of the four award recipients. These individuals are being commended for their significant contributions to animal and public health, which have helped us advance towards a healthier, safer and more sustainable world.

    Gold Medal

    This award is granted annually to one person in recognition of their outstanding service in the field of veterinary science and their contribution to the scientific and technological development of the Organisation’s activities.

    © WOAH

    Dr Monique Éloit

    France


    Dr Monique Éloit, a true leader in veterinary science and global health, has made sizable contributions to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the veterinary profession.

    As WOAH’s first female Director General, she set out to modernise the Organisation’s programmes, enhance transparency, and implement its 7th Strategic Plan focusing on global animal health governance and the One Health approach. Her leadership has strengthened international collaborations–including the Tripartite Alliance with FAO and WHO, and the expanded Quadripartite with UNEP–and has fostered enduring cooperation among researchers, governments, stakeholders and international organisations.

    “Dr Monique Éloit has established WOAH as a key player in global health governance and strengthened its influence at a global level.” – Dr Marie-Christine Le Gal, Delegate of France.

    Read more about Dr Monique Éloit

    Her adept management of both the technical and institutional response to COVID-19 further underscores her leadership and resilience in the face of the global pandemic. Dr Éloit has driven key initiatives in veterinary science, particularly in combating antimicrobial resistance, promoting international guidelines and global surveillance programmes to limit excessive antibiotic use, raising awareness about sustainable veterinary practices. Additionally, she initiated the creation of the WOAH Observatory to assess and improve the applicability of the international standards produced by the Organisation. Under her direction, WOAH facilitated the implementation of surveillance systems for transboundary animal diseases, enabling early detection and rapid response to outbreaks such as African swine fever, avian influenza and foot and mouth disease. These initiatives, and more, have strengthened Members’ resilience to health crises while minimising risks to public health and food security. Thanks to her leadership, WOAH has invested in veterinary public health issues which influence society as a whole. Her progressive impact on addressing global health challenges will be felt for generations to come.

    Her professional experiences include:
    2016–2024: Director General, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
    2009–2015: Deputy Director General, WOAH
    2005–2009: Deputy Director General of Food, Chief Veterinary Officer of France, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
    1999–2005: Director to the Director General, French Food Safety Agency (AFSSA)
    1996–1999: Deputy Head, Food Quality, Veterinary and Plant Health Department, French Ministry of Agriculture, Directorate General for Food
    1993–1997: Chair, Standing Committee of the European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes, Council of Europe, Strasbourg
    1992–1996: Assistant to the Deputy Director, Animal Health and Protection, French Ministry of Agriculture, Directorate General for Food
    1990–1992: Head, Animal Protection and Rabies Control Office, French Ministry of Agriculture, Directorate General for Food
    1986–1989: Project Officer to the Head of the Collective Disease Prevention Office, French Ministry of Agriculture, Directorate General for Food
    1982–1986: Official representative to the Head of the Animal Protection Office, French Ministry of Agriculture, Directorate General for Food
     
    On her awards and recognition
     
    Dr Éloit has been nominated for numerous awards throughout her distinguished career, yet she has always declined them. We are deeply honoured that she has graciously accepted this Gold Medal.
     
     
    Dr Monique Éloit is a widely published author [WOAH Documentary Portal].
     

    Meritorious Award

    In recognition of the scientific, technical and administrative contribution to the control of animal disease, animal welfare and/or veterinary public health.

    © Dr Jamil Gomes de Souza

    Dr Jamil Gomes de Souza

    Brazil


    Dr Jamil Gomes de Souza has significantly advanced veterinary public health in Brazil, the Americas and across the world. He led national programmes to combat foot and mouth disease (FMD) and classical swine fever.

    As Director of the Animal Health Department and WOAH Delegate, he developed standards and actions for the prevention and control of diseases such as brucellosis, tuberculosis and Newcastle disease. His work included managing vaccination campaigns and establishing high surveillance zones for FMD. Dr Gomes de Souza also participated in international missions to evaluate African swine fever and collaborated on technical parameters for compartmentalisation processes for avian disease control. His contribution to the veterinary profession is commendable.

    “Dr Jamil Gomes de Souza is a leader in the development of standards, guidelines and actions for the prevention of diseases of importance in livestock and animal health and a valuable contributor to the structuring and cooperation of Veterinary Services in the Southern Cone.“
    – Dr Marcelo De Andrade Mota, Delegate of Brazil

    Read more about Dr Jamil Gomes de Souza

    His professional experiences include:
    1998–present: Animal Health Department, Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock Defence of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA), Brazil
    2006–2011: Director, Animal Health Department, MAPA, Brazil
    2006–2010: President pro–tempore, Permanent Veterinary Committee of the Southern Cone; WOAH Delegate of Brazil; President of the WOAH Regional Commission for the Americas; President of the Inter–American Group for the Eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease (GIEFA)
    2004–2006: General Coordinator, Control of Animal Diseases, MAPA, Brazil
    2002–2004: Deputy Director, Animal Health Department, MAPA, Brazil
    2000–2001: Deputy Coordinator, Sanitary Programmes, MAPA, Brazil
    1998–2000: Head, Foot and Mouth Disease Division, MAPA, Brazil
    1991–1998: Head, Federal District Animal Health Service, Brazil
     
    His awards and memberships include:
    ‘Personality of Agro in Brazil’, Journal of Agricultural Defence, November 2022
    Federal and Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine, Brazil
    National Union of Federal Agricultural Inspectors, Brazil
     
    Dr Jamil Gomes de Souza is a well–published author [Google Scholar].

    Meritorious Award

    In recognition of the scientific, technical and administrative contribution to the control of animal disease, animal welfare and/or veterinary public health.

    © ResearchGate

    Dr Ajayi Justin Ayih–Akakpo

    Togo

    Dr Ayayi Justin Ayih–Akakpo has made significant contributions to veterinary science through his research in haematology and infectious diseases, notably in cattle in Western Africa.

    He also conducted extensive research on infectious diseases such as rabies and brucellosis, highlighting the prevalence of canine rabies and the public health risks it poses, particularly to children. His work on brucellosis led to improved epidemiological understanding and control measures in several African countries. Additionally, Dr Ayih–Akakpo trained numerous veterinarians and researchers, contributing to the advancement of veterinary education and practice.

    “A professor–researcher in higher education for over 33 years, Dr Ayayi Justin Ayih–Akakpo has trained more than 30 cohorts of veterinary doctors from over 14 countries, many of whom now hold positions of responsibility in their home countries.” – Dr Damitoti Yempabou, Delegate of Togo

    Read more about Dr Ajayi Justin Ayih–Akakpo

    He made notable contributions to WOAH, notably on the epidemiological and economic impact of animal brucellosis through his involvement in regional commissions. He also played a key role in the recognition of the Inter–State School of Veterinary Science and Medicine (EISMV) as a WOAH Collaborating Centre for the training of official veterinarians, diagnosis of infectious animal diseases and zoonoses and control of veterinary medicines in Central and West Africa. His contribution to veterinary science and education has been admirable.

    His professional experiences include:
     
    Present: Honorary Professor, Inter–State School of Veterinary Science and Medicine (EISMV), Dakar, Senegal; Professor part–time, EISMV, Dakar, Senegal and the University of the Mountains, Bangangté, Cameroon
    1976–present: Member, Scientific Council, EISMV, Senegal; Member, ISRA Scientific Council, Senegal; CNRA, Mali; CIRDES, Burkina Faso; AfriqueOne, Côte d’Ivoire
    1996–present: Member, Pedagogical Committee, EISMV, Dakar, Senegal
    2010–2017: Professor, EISMV, Epidemiology and Epidemiological Surveillance of Animal Diseases in Master II, EISMV, Dakar, Senegal
    1978–2010: Professor, EISMV, Infectious Pathology and Epidemiology (1978–2010), Microbiology Veterinary Immunology (1978–1988), Dakar, Senegal
    2008: Professor, Animal Pathology, the Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Busogo, Rwanda
    1985–1998: Professor, Infectious Pathology, Microbiology and General Pathology, University of Lomé, Togo
    1987–1997: Tropical Pathology and Microbiology, the National Medical School, Sydi Thabet, Tunisia
     
    His awards and memberships include:
    Knight in the National Order, Benin, 1998
    Knight in the National Order of the Lion, Senegal, 1997
    Research prize, Inter–State School of Veterinary Science and Medicine Graduate, Senegal, 1976.
    Associate Member, Academy of Science and Technology, Senegal
    Member, the Scientific Councils of CIRDES, Bobodioulasso; AfriqueOne Aspire/Reach, Côte d’Ivoire; CNRA Mali
    Member, the French Association for the Study of the Epidemiology of Animal Diseases
     
    Dr Ayayi Justin AYIH–AKAKPO is a widely published author [Research Gate].
     

    Meritorious Award

    In recognition of the scientific, technical and administrative contribution to the control of animal disease, animal welfare and/or veterinary public health.

    © Biographs

    Dr Bakhromjon Norkobilov

    Uzbekistan

    Dr Bakhromjon Norkobilov has led significant reforms in Uzbekistan’s veterinary sector, enhancing disease control, food security and alignment with international standards. He established an independent Veterinary Service and reorganised it into an independent ministry.

    His tenure saw the adoption of key legal reforms, improved animal identification procedures, and financial incentives for veterinary workers. Additionally, Dr Norkobilov expanded veterinary infrastructure, securing investments and international loans for diagnostic laboratories and training. He prioritised disease prevention, increasing the budget for vaccines and diagnostics and integrating modern technologies.

    “Dr Bakhromjon Norkobilov’s efforts have elevated the veterinary sector in Uzbekistan to a new level of excellence, fostering both national and international collaboration.” – Dr Abrar Akbarov, Delegate of Uzbekistan

    Read more about Dr Bakhromjon Norkobilov

    He also created over 20,000 new jobs in the livestock sector and introduced virtual reception systems for better stakeholder communication. His leadership has positioned Uzbekistan as a leader in veterinary reforms, with international recognition for his work. The development of the Smart Veterinary Services system and cooperation with global institutions ensure Uzbekistan remains at the forefront of addressing animal health, disease control and food safety challenges. His contribution to the modernisation of national Veterinary Services is an example for many.

    His professional experiences include:
    2019–present: Chairman, State Committee of Veterinary and Livestock Development, Republic of Uzbekistan
    2017–2019: Chairman, State Veterinary Committee, Republic of Uzbekistan
    2014–2017: Head, General Department of the State Veterinary Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, Republic of Uzbekistan
    2010–2014: Chairman, Association Livestock Products and Producers, Republic of Uzbekistan
    2003–2010: Head, Department of Poultry, Fisheries and Beekeeping Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, Republic of Uzbekistan
    1998–2003: Division Head, Deputy Chairman and Chairman, Association Uzbek Parranda, Republic of Uzbekistan
    1997–1998: Head, Department of Sheep Breeding and Other Livestock Industries, Republic of Uzbekistan
    1996–1997: Leading Specialist and Senior Specialist, Association  Uzbek Karakul, Republic of Uzbekistan
     
    His awards and memberships include:
    Award for Loyal Services, delivered by the President of Uzbekistan, 2023
    Medal, 25 years of Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan
    Medal, 25 years of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan
    Medal, 20 years of Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan
    Medal, Honorary Agricultural Worker of Uzbekistan
    Medal, Honorary Educator of Uzbekistan
    Member, Trade Union of Uzbekistan
    Member, Association Veterinarians and Livestock Breeders of Uzbekistan
     
    Dr Bakhromjon Norkobilov is a published author [ResearchGate].
     

    Code of conduct during meetings organised by WOAH

    If you witness or are a victim of harassment at the 92nd General Session, please come to room 202 to meet the focal person. 

    WOAH is committed to providing a safe environment for all staff members and meeting participants, free from discrimination of any kind and all forms of inappropriate behaviour and harassment. This commitment applies across all WOAH premises, including Headquarters, Regional and Sub-Regional Representation offices, as well as during any events organised by WOAH, such as the General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates, Regional Commissions meetings, conferences, and capacity building events.

    WOAH enforces a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment, whether moral or sexual, in the workplace and during its events. All allegations will be taken seriously, and addressed promptly and thoroughly.

    Harassment refers to any behavior that causes someone to feel intimidated, humiliated, or offended. Harassment may consist of a single serious incident or a pattern of behaviour over time. Harassment can be physical, sexual, verbal and non-verbal. Examples of conduct or behavior that may constitute inappropriate behaviour or harassment include, but are not limited to:

    Verbal conduct

    • Comments on a person’s appearance, age, private life, etc.
    • Sexual remarks, comments, stories and jokes
    • Repeated and unwanted invitations to social events, dates, or physical intimacy
    • Sexist insults or remarks
    • Condescending or paternalistic remarks 
    • Sending sexually explicit messages (via phone, email or other means)

    Physical conduct

    • Unwelcome physical contact
    • Acts of physical violence, including sexual assault
    • Using of job-related threats or rewards to solicit sexual favors

    Actions to be taken during events

    WOAH treats all allegations of misconduct seriously. During events organised by WOAH, a designated focal person will be appointed to receive any complaints raised by an employee or participants. The first step will involve the focal point discreetly approaching the alleged perpetrator, inform him/her of the allegation(s), and discussing the incident. In many cases, the matter may be resolved through dialogue, with clarification if behaviour that may be culturally inappropriate. However, in cases involving serious misconduct or repeated inappropriate behavior, the focal point will escalate the matter. This may result in appropriate consequences, including a request for the alleged perpetrator to leave the event.   

    If you witness or are a victim of harassment at the 92nd General Session, please come to room 202 to meet the focal person. 

    For any questions, please contact

    General Session Secretariat

    [email protected]

    Replay

    Watch the replay

    Opening Ceremony, Inaugural Addresses, Animal Health Forum and Honorary Awards
    Animal Health Forum on Veterinary vaccines and vaccination: from science to action – reflections for change
    Animal Health Forum, DG’s Activities report, Activities of the Working groups, Regional Activities highlights
    Second Plenary Session and Activities of the Specialist Comission
    Forum

    The Animal Health Forum, ‘Veterinary vaccines and vaccination: from science to action – reflections for change’ , provided a platform for dialogue between WOAH Delegates, subject matter experts and concerned stakeholders on the barriers that are currently impeding the development and use of vaccines in disease prevention and control strategies.

    The Technical Item of the 92nd General Session set the scene for the Forum which included a high-level panel discussion. It also included formal presentations and round table discussions in the five distinctive sections covering strategic challenges. 

    By the end of the Forum, the World Assembly of Delegates gained a clear understanding of the critical role vaccines play in sustainable disease prevention and control, AMR containment, and public health protection, as well as a framework for considering animal vaccination policies within the broader context of wildlife health, and other One Health priorities.

    The conclusions and recommendations of the Forum will be included in a resolution and a two-year result framework will be developed for the implementation of the recommendations of the resolution.

    Explore the concept note
    Read the technical item

    Have a question?

    The Animal Health Forum Secretariat welcomes your questions for the panelists and rapporteurs during the Forum.

    Questions will be addressed either at the end of each technical session (subject to time) or at the last session scheduled for Tuesday morning.

    To help foster these discussions, we invite you to share your questions in advance by completing this form before 22 May. Your input is valuable and will help shape engaging conversations during the Forum.

    Veterinary vaccines and vaccination: from science to action – reflections for change

    Animal diseases management strategies are increasingly influenced by complex socio-economic, political, ethical and environmental challenges. The growing demand for sustainable domestic and wild animal-derived food products, the increased risk of zoonotic diseases, climate change, and the society demand underscore the importance to develop sustainable disease prevention and control strategies where vaccination plays a pivotal role as complementary disease control tool.  

    Vaccination programmes do not only protect animal populations, but also safeguard public and environmental health. Decreasing the burden of animal diseases contributes to mitigate the risk of zoonoses, reduce the need to use antimicrobials, preserve biodiversity and reduce environmental impact from livestock, and positively contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals. 

    Despite obvious benefits, there remain significant technical, regulatory, economic, political and social barriers to implement vaccination programmes for priority animal diseases. The recent global animal health events and (re)emerging events (avian influenza, African swine fever, foot and mouth disease, peste de petits ruminants, lumpy skin disease, bluetongue, etc.), as well as global multisectoral threats such as antimicrobial resistance, have shown that there are societal, welfare, economic and environmental expectations to increase the sustainability of disease control strategies while limiting certain practices such as mass culling and reducing antimicrobial use and misuse.

    Reflections for change

    The current socio-economic and epidemiological context requires a debate around the shift of paradigm from elimination of disease (living without diseases) to disease management (living with diseases). There is an urgent need to explore how to better integrate vaccination in our disease control strategies, which should remain science-based, economically viable, and environmentally friendly, while avoiding unnecessary trade barriers.

    Learn more about the Forum

    Objectives 

    With the objective to establish a two- to three-year roadmap with concrete actions, the Forum specifically aims to:  

    Identify current challenges

    technical and policy challenges in the vaccine life cycle (development, production, registration, distribution and use) and propose short and medium-term strategies to address them.

    Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships

    to enhance vaccine accessibility, in particular in LMICs.

    Facilitate the harmonisation of regulations

    explore WOAH’s role in facilitating the harmonisation of international and national regulations to facilitate efficient use of high-quality vaccines while avoiding unjustified trade barriers.

    Highlight best evidence-based vaccination practices

    and post-vaccination monitoring practices.

    Expected outcomes 

    • A clear understanding of the critical role vaccines play in sustainable disease prevention and control, AMR containment and public health protection;
    • Specific recommendations to WOAH, Delegates and public and private stakeholders to improve the critical aspects in the vaccine life-cycle;
    • Actionable strategies for advancing the integration of vaccination in national disease control programmes while preserving safe international trade of animals and their products;
    • An agreed framework to consider animal vaccination policies into a broader context including AMR, wildlife health, and other One health priorities.

    Participants 

    • Secretariat: Science Department and AMR&VP Department 
    • Rapporteur/s : Dr  Batty Dungu and Dr Meritxel Donadeu 
    • Selected panelists and speakers: Delegates, Council members, Experts of Reference and Collaborating Centres, members of the Specialist Commissions,  key stakeholders, etc. 
    • WOAH Delegates. 

    For more information, please contact:

    The Animal Health Forum Secretariat

    [email protected]
    [email protected]

    Satellite Initiatives

    Exhibition stands

    Discover

    Side events

    Discover

    Bringing WOAH Standards closer to the user

    Venue: Foyer Lavoisier

    Come discover the latest updates on WOAH’s International Standards and the process behind their development and explore how these standards shape animal health worldwide. The stand provides an opportunity to discover the new WOAH Standards Navigation Tool. Our team will provide guidance on how to use the new features, interfaces, and answer questions.

    Business discussions with Delegates and Focal Points on reporting in WAHIS [Workshop]

    Venue: Fumoir

    Join the WAHIAD experts (World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department) for dedicated business discussions with Delegates and Focal Points on reporting in WAHIS. Our expert team will provide tailored guidance on reporting principles and obligations using the WAHIS tool.

    • Receive one-on-one guidance on reporting requirements and best practices.
    • Receive support on Early Warning reporting, Six-Monthly reporting, and Annual reporting.
    • Discuss how to effectively consult and use WAHIS data through the public interface.
    • Address challenges and find solutions to enhance reporting accuracy and efficiency.

    Book your slot today to receive personalised support and ensure compliance with reporting obligations in WAHIS. Engage with our experts to optimise your reporting experience and make the most of WAHIS data!

    Discovering STAR-IDAZ IRC: Leading the way in Animal Health Research

    Venue: Room 101

    The STAR-IDAZ International Research Consortium brings together different research funders and stakeholders from over 50 countries, united in the mission to accelerate the development of disease control tools and strategies for enhancing animal health.

    Discover STAR-IDAZ research priority areas, latest activities and opportunities for collaboration. Join us at the STAR-IDAZ IRC stand to learn more on the importance of joining forces on research coordination activities on major infectious disease of livestock and zoonosis to speed up the delivery of effective control tools to control animal diseases.

    Disease Status Management Platform (DSMP) – Annual Reconfirmation of official status

    Venue: Foyer Lavoisier

    The DSMP has been designed to strengthen data governance through digital transformation. This platform is aimed at enabling the submission, archiving, tracking and searching of all relevant dossiers related to the official recognition and maintenance of animal health status, as well as self-declaration of animal health status. Please visit us to:

    • Share your feedback and get direct support on submitting annual reconfirmations.
    • Deepen your understanding of key procedures and requirements on official status recognition, endorsement of disease control programmes and self-declarations.

    For Members wishing to have one-on-one sessions, please contact the Status Department ([email protected]) by 9 May 2025.

    Publications, Documentation and Archives

    Venue: Hall 28 bis

    The Publications, Documentation and Archives stand offers a comprehensive collection of the Organisation’s resources. Explore the latest publications, documentation and historical archives to stay informed and enhance your knowledge.

    One Health

    Venue: Room 101

    Visit the interactive One Health stand to explore how the One Health Joint Plan of Action (OH JPA) and its Implementation Guide can transform global health and strengthen the understanding of the crucial connection between human, animal, and environmental health. This interactive space is designed to help you to bring the One Health approach into action in your country.

    • Challenge yourself with an insightful BINGO game to take your first steps towards a One Health situation analysis of your country.
    • Access downloadable and printed resources to support your One Health efforts in your country.
    • Enjoy some healthy sweets and share a nice moment—as a reminder of your role in advancing One Health principles locally and globally.
    • Discover how you can become a One Health actor by championing collaboration, driving implementation, and inspiring change in your country.

    Stop by, get inspired, and take action!

    PVS and Training: WOAH Capacity Building System

    Venue: Hall 28 Bis

    Visit the Capacity-Building Department stand to discover tools and resources designed to strengthen Members’ ability to implement international animal health and welfare standards.

    • Learn about new initiatives, including the PVS Information System (PVS IS), Community Animal Health Worker guidelines, and innovative eLearning modules.
    • Explore the PVS Targeted Support portfolio, covering public-private partnerships, One Health, veterinary legislation, sustainable labs, and more.

    Rabies

    Venue: Foyer Lavoisier

    Mass dog vaccination remains critical to interrupting the transmission cycle and eliminating human deaths from dog-mediated rabies. The Rabies stand will provide information on tools and resources that can help countries design, implement, scale up, and evaluate national rabies control programmes and mass dog vaccination campaigns to reach the ‘Zero by 30’ goal.

    The AMR Street

    Venue: Room 101

    Since 1952, WOAH has been working to prevent the development of resistance to the drugs we use to fight bacteria, viruses and parasites. AMR, has become one of the most pressing health issues of our time. Solutions exist and everyone has a role to play in the fight against this global threat. Come and discover our actions, initiatives, and progress made together- all thanks to your engagement and hard work.

    Visit The AMR Street to explore:

    • ANIMUSE – Learn how AMU data supports policy and encourages participation.
    • SFVPs – Discover efforts to tackle substandard & falsified veterinary products.
    • AMR in Aquaculture – Learn more on monitoring tools and best practices.
    • WSAVA – Address AMR in companion animals and responsible antimicrobial use.

    The journey towards the eradication of peste des petits ruminants

    Venue: Foyer Lavoisier

    Join us to explore WOAH’s efforts on the journey towards eradicating PPR. Learn about key activities, progress, and strategies driving global eradication efforts.

    This is a unique opportunity for Members and stakeholders to engage directly with the PPR Secretariat in one-on-one discussions. Gain insights, ask questions, and discover how you can contribute to the collective goal of eradicating PPR.

    WOAH Regions

    Explore further into the activities of WOAH’s regional offices. The regional stand presents an opportunity to dive deeper into the support WOAH offers to its Members across different regions.

    World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department and WAHIS

    Venue: Foyer Lavoisier

    Join us at the WAHIS stand to discover how WAHIS and WAHIAD’s activities support global animal health transparency. Learn about the value of WAHIS data, how to consult it effectively, and how to engage more with its valuable features.
    At the WAHIS stand, our team will:

    • Reinforce the key principles of reporting—why, what, when, where, and how.
    • Showcase the enhanced functionalities of WAHIS as a powerful tool for data-driven decision-making.
    • Demonstrate how to access and consult WAHIS data for surveillance, risk assessment, and policy development.
    • Highlight valuable features that can improve your engagement with WAHIS, including user support and training options.
    • Gather feedback from reporting and consulting users to continuously enhance the WAHIS experience.

    Visit the WAHIS stand to connect with our experts and make the most of WAHIS for your work!

    WOAH Reference Centers for Animal Health: Centers of Veterinary Expertise and Global Health Solutions

    Venue: Room 101

    The WOAH Reference Laboratories network, established in 1981, has evolved from five laboratories in 1989 to 350 Centres worldwide. These Centres are divided into Reference Laboratories, focusing on specific diseases, and Collaborating Centres, specialising in scientific fields, all adhering to stringent quality standards.

    At this stand, you’ll learn about the vital role of this global network, explore its objectives, and discover how it contributes to animal health. Join us to explore one of the world’s largest scientific networks for veterinary science, fostering collaboration and excellence.

    Side events

    Strengthening Emergency Response: Harnessing Incident Management Systems for Animal Health

    Date: Monday 26 May, 11:15am-12:30pm
    Venue: Room 251

    This interactive side event will introduce WOAH’s recently developed Incident Management System (IMS) to its Members. The development of an IMS was recommended by the Technical Item and its accompanying Resolution (No. 28) of the 89th General Session as well as identified as a need for the organisation through COVID-19 after-action reviews.

    Over the past year, WOAH has worked with a contracted service provider to develop the necessary processes and procedures for an IMS so that when the next incident occurs, it will be able to respond efficiently and effectively, thereby supporting Members and enabling better collaboration with Partners.

    Read more

    This side event will also provide WOAH with the opportunity to discuss Members’ own experiences of incident management during emergencies, to identify good practices what has worked and where gaps or challenges exist, and how this process for WOAH could be adapted to support their own IMS development or improvement. The objectives of this side event are:
    To give Members an overview of WOAH’s IMS, highlighting how this will allow WOAH to better uphold its mandate and support Members.

    To provide Members with an opportunity to pose questions to WOAH about its IMS.

    To gather insights from Members on their own IMS experiences and how WOAH’s IMS development and emergency management programme could serve to support them.

    How Veterinary Services can access World Bank financing


    Date: Monday 26 May, 11.:5am-12:30pm
    Venue: Room 262


    Veterinary Services are essential for animal health, pandemic prevention, food security, and climate resilience. Despite livestock contributing 40% of agricultural GDP in developing countries, only 4.5% of agricultural development funding is allocated to the sector.

    This side event will provide a unique opportunity to explore how countries can access World Bank funding for Veterinary Services, showcasing available financing options and successful country experiences.


    The journey towards the eradication of peste des petits ruminants


    Date: Monday 26 May, 12:45pm-2:00pm
    Venue: Room 262


    A side event focused on Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and the Global Eradication Programme (GEP). Organised in collaboration with FAO and the PPR GEP Secretariat, this event will highlight progress made over the past decade and the challenges ahead.

    A key theme will be commemorating the 10-year milestone since the launch of the PPR GEP in 2015. Join us to reflect on achievements, share insights, and discuss the future of PPR eradication efforts.

    Antimicrobial resistance in companion animals – why it matters (Hybrid event)

    Date: Monday 26 May, 12:45-2:00pm
    Venue: Room 251 and online

    Join us for a session on the importance of including companion animals in national policies, guidance, and interventions to curb antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU). Learn more about WSAVA’s Essential Medicines List, vaccination guidelines, and WOAH’s Technical Reference Document on Antimicrobial Agents for Cats and Dogs.

    Register to attend online

    This side event will highlight the need for access to essential antimicrobials and vaccines and share practical examples. We will also gather Member feedback on challenges in addressing companion animal health provisions under Chapter 6.10 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code and explore solutions through future guidance and actions. Together, we will assess the extent to which companion animals are included in National Action Plans on AMR across WOAH Members.


    Update on publication of data models and standards for electronic certification (Hybrid event)




    Date: Monday 26 May, 5:00pm-6.15pm
    Venue: Room 251 and online


    WOAH is finalising reference data models and standards to complement the model veterinary certificates for international trade provided in the Terrestrial and Aquatic Codes. These documents will be publicly available by January 2025 and are a key resource for Competent Authorities to create e-veterinary certificates. This work aligns WOAH with Codex and complements their data standards, particularly for Codex certificates that may include an animal health component.

    Register to attend online


    This side event will present this work to General Session participants, highlighting WOAH’s efforts on e-veterinary certification to support Members in its implementation.     Members may also have the opportunity to share similar projects they may be working on.

    Transport of animals shared responsibilities – panel discussion




    Date: Monday 26 May, 5:00pm-6.15pm
    Venue: Room 201


    Join us for a panel discussion on the challenges of transporting live animals by land and sea, particularly on long-distance and cross-border routes.

    This session will highlight the critical importance of animal health and welfare throughout the journey and emphasis the need for collaboration.

    Experts will share real-world challenges and solutions to uphold welfare standards. Through discussion and Q&A, we’ll address your key questions on this vital topic.



    One Health In Action: Rethinking Wildlife Trade For A Healthier, Sustainable Future 

    Date: Tuesday 27 May, 11:15am-12:30pm
    Venue: Room 251


    This event is open to all participants of the General Session, especially to any WOAH delegates who want to contribute to the discussion.

    Join us for a 75-minute exploration of the diverse dimensions of wildlife trade! The event will feature panel discussions, presentations, and a Q&A session. We will also present the WOAH guidelines on risk assessments along wildlife trade supply chains, explore emerging priorities on wildlife trade and discuss future WOAH’s involvement.

    Together, we will cover legal and illegal wildlife trade at local and international levels, including CITES and non-CITES species, and various transaction types.

    Read more

    Discussions will address health risks to humans, wild and domestic animals. We will also focus on sustainable trade practices and enforcement challenges.

    Esteemed speakers and experts from CITES, the Alliance Against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade, and the Smithsonian Institution will lead dynamic panel discussions.

    Progress of WOAH’s Gender strategy



    Date: Tuesday 27 May, 11:15am-12:15pm
    Venue: Room 262

    We know that the workforce is changing: there is an increasing number of women joining the field of veterinary science (and in most countries female students are starting to outnumber males) and this has a number of impacts: practical ones such as the need to accommodate specific infrastructural needs (eg: needs for changing room in abattoirs which used to be only visited by male vets) or more challenging ones such as increasing the acceptability of women vets amongst male colleges or amongst clients.

    Read more

    There are also strategic challenges as women tend to work on small animals in urban centers creating workforce shortage in rural areas in some countries. Additionally, there is a shift in the younger generation of professionals who seek a better work life balance and the veterinary profession is also becoming less attractive. In part to address these issues WOAH is developing a Gender Strategy and you are warmly welcome to share your views and ideas around the topic. What are the issues in your countries and what has been done so far to address these? How can WOAH support your efforts?  What do you think WOAH’s gender strategy should address in priority and what would you foresee could be the challenges?

    World Fund Advisory Committee



    Date: Tuesday 27 May, 12:30pm-2:00pm,
    Venue: Room 262


    This meeting is by invitation only.

    The Advisory Committee is an institutional meeting held annually in May, on the margins of the General Session, as outlined in the WOAH Basic Texts. It serves as a unique platform for dialogue between resource partners, multilateral development agencies, and select stakeholders, helping to shape the Fund’s strategic vision and resource mobilisation efforts.


    Monitoring the implementation of WOAH Standards: A Preview of the Observatory Monitoring Report

    Date: Tuesday 27 May, 12:30pm-1:45pm
    Venue: Room 251

    Join the Observatory side event and discover the latest analysis results of the uptake of international standards by Members, regarding animal health and welfare and veterinary public health. The Observatory is a transversal programme. It contributes to the progressive improvement of the implementation of WOAH standards as well as to the constant assessment of organisational initiatives by providing valuable feedback and recommendations.

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    The Monitoring Report is one of the key deliverables from the Observatory. After the publication of its first Observatory annual report in January 2023, the second edition will be published in 2025. This report will focus on 6 technical areas, namely, Antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance; One Health; Zoning and compartmentalisation; Movement control within territories and precaution at borders; Self-declaration and official Status; and Trade and sanitary measures.

    The side event will present the main findings and recommendations of the new edition of the Monitoring Report. Following the presentation, a panel will discuss how the Monitoring Indicators help WOAH and its partner organisations to improve the usability of international standards, guidelines or other tools they produce, as well as the usefulness of the indicators from Members’ perspective.

    Engaging in Learning for Stronger Veterinary Services

    Date: Wednesday 28 May, 1pm-2pm
    Venue: Room 201


    This side event will highlight how WOAH tailors its training programme to meet member priorities, showcasing the development of a Competency-Based Training Framework for continuous education of Veterinary Services. The framework ensures alignment with national needs, prioritizing lifelong learning, transferable skills, and quality assurance.

    The session will explore strategies to enhance user engagement, aligning training with learner needs and challenges. It will also present innovative methods to assess the impact of training on both immediate and long-term improvements in Veterinary Services, supported by WOAH Collaborating Centres.

    Meeting of the Global Coordination Committee for ASF

    Date: Thursday 29 May, 12:50pm – 13:45pm
    Venue: Room 201


    This meeting is by invitation only.

    The third meeting of the Global Coordination Committee for African swine fever will discuss technical priorities for ASF to inform the work of the GF-TADs ASF Working Group and revision of the Global Initiative for the Control of ASF.



    For any questions, please contact

    General Session Secretariat

    [email protected]

    Documents

    Working documents

    Final Report

    Final Resolutions

    Administrative reports

    Financial reports

    Technical reports

    For any questions, please contact

    General Session Secretariat

    [email protected]

    Key Figures and Outcomes

    The 92nd General Session took place in Paris from Sunday 25 to Thursday 29 May 2025. The event brought together over 1, 100 participants, including representatives from 131 WOAH Members, as well as representatives from international and regional organisations, observer countries and territories, key stakeholders and several Ministers. 

    During the five-day event, attendees from all over the world participated in the event’s discussions. National Delegates adopted new Resolutions and made commitments to ensure that the Organisation remains adaptable and responsive to the challenges of tomorrow. A dedicated Forum on Veterinary vaccines and vaccination explored barriers impeding the development and use of vaccines in disease prevention and control strategies.

    In addition, the inaugural report on The State of the World’s Animal Health was released, providing a clear, evidence-based overview of the global animal health landscape. The report, in line with the Animal Health Forum’s theme, also sets out to highlight the positive impact of vaccination on a selection of key important animal diseases and challenges – including, among others, antimicrobial resistance, avian influenza, foot and mouth disease. 

    Outcomes

    Over 1, 100 participants from 131 countries and territories

    joined the event in person – including representatives of Members as well as scientists and observers from partner organisations.

    11 Ministers

    one high-level representative and two Quadripartite principals addressed the Assembly during the Opening Ceremony  

    #WOAHGS

    over 2700 people engaged in the discussion on social media

    Main achievements

    29 resolutions

    adopted by Delegates to improve animal health and welfare globally 

    73 international standards

    adopted or revised in the field of terrestrial and aquatic animal disease prevention and control, animal welfare, diagnostic methods and vaccine quality 

    Terrestrial Code

    4

    revised chapters

    Terrestrial Manual

    28

    revised chapters

    Aquatic Code

    5

    new chapters

    30

    revised chapters

    Aquatic Manual

    6

    revised chapters

    8 Members had new animal health statuses recognised

    2 Members had their animal disease control programmes endorsed  

    A strengthened network

    5

    New centres of scientific excellence  
    for a total of 355 Reference Centres located in 49 countries to provide scientific and technical support 

    Newly elected members of WOAH’s governance bodies 

    1

    new member of the Bureau of the Regional Commission for Africa 

    2

    new members of the
    Bureau of the Regional Commission
    for Europe 

    Related articles

    Media and Stories

    Read our latest stories 

    Photos

    Accreditation to access the event on site 

    Kindly complete this online form by Thursday 16 May 2025.
    No access will be permitted without prior accreditation. Some sessions will not be open to the press (kindly refer to the programme).

    Interview requests 

    Interviews with participants may be arranged, subject to availability, throughout and after the General Session, by appointment only and with at least 48 hours’ notice.  
     
    Do not hesitate to contact us with your list of questions to facilitate the planning and allow us to better meet your expectations: [email protected]. 

    Follow the discussions of the event

    To allow you to follow the topics covered throughout the event: 

    • Open sessions (“webcast”), including The Animal Health Forum will be livestreamed on our website and YouTube 
    • Several articles will be published during the week 
    • Highlights from the sessions will be relayed on our social media channels 
    • Official photos of the event will be made available on Flickr. 
       

    Join the conversion on social media by using #WOAHGS