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93rd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates
The 93rd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) took place from Monday, 18 to Friday, 22 May 2026 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 93rd General Session also brought together observer countries and territories, WOAH key stakeholders, and special guests.
As a major institutional event for the Organisation, the General Session provided an opportunity for the World Assembly of Delegates to:
- Adopt international standards,
- Discuss technical topics of global interest,
- Adopt administrative and technical resolutions, including the 8th Strategic Plan,
- Examine and approve various reports,
- And, where applicable, proceed with the election of vacant positions within certain governance bodies.
As part of the General Session, WOAH dedicated one day to an Animal Health Forum on the theme : “Investing in Animal Health to Secure Everyone’s Future.” The Forum highlighted the strategic role of animal health in economic stability, food security and global health resilience. It explored solutions ranging from national resources prioritisation and innovative financial partnerships to private sector engagement and research-based innovation.
While being a face-to-face event, all sessions offered simultaneous interpretation in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.
Awards and Recognition
The World Organisation for Animal Health recognises the winners of the 2026 Animal Health Achievement Awards. The award ceremony took place on 18 May during the annual General Session. The Organisation’s President, Dr Susana Pombo and Director General, Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, alongside the 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, helping advance 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.
Professor Ian Brown, OBE
United Kingdom
Professor Brown has devoted more than 50 years to advancing veterinary virology, disease surveillance and international preparedness. His career reflects an exceptional level of service to global animal health and to the scientific and technical work of WOAH.
Internationally recognised for his expertise in animal influenza and Newcastle disease, Professor Brown headed the WOAH Reference Laboratories at the United Kingdom’s Weybridge laboratory for avian influenza, Newcastle disease and swine influenza from 1999 until 2024. In these roles, he led extensive research, diagnostic and surveillance programmes and oversaw large multidisciplinary scientific teams.
A strong advocate for translating science into action, he has consistently promoted clear communication of complex scientific findings to support policymakers, Veterinary Services and industry stakeholders worldwide.
Professor Brown was a founding member of the OFFLU (WOAH/FAO) network on animal influenza in 2005 and later served as Chair of its Steering Committee. Under his leadership, OFFLU became a recognised international reference body for animal influenza science, contributing to global preparedness and response to high pathogenicity avian influenza.
Throughout his career, he has prioritised capacity building, notably through laboratory twinning initiatives that strengthened diagnostic capability in low- and middle-income countries. He has also contributed to WOAH ad hoc groups, international standards and reference manuals, participated in international missions and delivered extensive scientific output. Awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2019, his legacy continues through sustained international collaboration and scientific mentorship.
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 Junaidu Ahmed Maina
Nigeria
Dr Maina is a highly respected veterinary leader whose career has made a lasting contribution to animal health systems in Nigeria, across Africa and globally.
Through national leadership and international engagement, he has consistently advanced science-based disease control and strengthened veterinary institutions. Dr Maina served as Nigeria’s Chief Veterinary Officer and WOAH Delegate, retiring in 2009 after decades of distinguished public service. In these roles, he was instrumental in strengthening national Veterinary Services and promoting international cooperation.
He provided global leadership as Chair of the FAO–WOAH Rinderpest Joint Advisory Committee from 2012 to 2022, helping safeguard the post-eradication status of rinderpest, the first animal disease ever eradicated. His stewardship contributed to maintaining global vigilance against re-emergence.
Dr Maina also played a leading role in Nigeria’s response to high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5N1), culminating in the country’s recognition as free from Notifiable Avian Influenza in 2013. His work reflects a sustained commitment to evidence-based disease prevention and control.
An accredited WOAH PVS Technical Expert and WHO Joint External Evaluation expert, he has supported the assessment and strengthening of veterinary and public health systems worldwide. Beyond national service, he has contributed to initiatives led by FAO, WHO, AU-IBAR, AU-PANVAC and other regional and global institutions, helping improve animal health governance, food security and livelihoods across sub-Saharan Africa.
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 Nick Douglas Nwankpa
Nigeria
Dr Nwankpa has made significant advances in animal health science through his leadership in veterinary research, vaccine quality assurance and institutional strengthening across Africa.
He currently serves as Acting Director General of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Nigeria, where he provides strategic leadership in veterinary research, vaccine production and disease control, in support of national and global health security.
He previously served as Director of the African Union Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC), leading Africa’s reference centre for veterinary vaccine quality control. Under his leadership, the Centre expanded independent batch testing and contributed to the harmonisation of vaccine standards across African Union Member States.
He also served concurrently as Acting Director of the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources, providing strategic direction for animal health and livestock development across the continent. He remains the only individual to have led both institutions simultaneously.
Over his career, Dr Nwankpa has led major international programmes focused on vaccine quality, laboratory strengthening and access to effective veterinary medicines. A widely published scientist and committed mentor, he has contributed to sustainable capacity development, supported regulatory systems and strengthened disease control efforts across Africa.
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 Ottorino Cosivi
Brazil
Dr Cosivi has significantly advanced veterinary public health in the Americas and globally through his leadership at the interface of animal and human health.
He served as Director of the Pan American Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Veterinary Public Health Centre (PANAFTOSA/VPH) of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) until January 2026. During his tenure, he led PAHO’s technical cooperation in areas of critical importance, including zoonoses, envenomation by venomous animals, food safety, antimicrobial resistance and foot and mouth disease.
PANAFTOSA/VPH functions both as a WOAH Reference Laboratory for foot and mouth disease and as a WOAH Collaborating Centre in Veterinary Public Health, placing Dr Cosivi at the centre of regional and international disease prevention and preparedness efforts.
He began his international career at WHO in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1993 as a Veterinary Public Health Officer. He later directed WHO’s programme on preparedness for bioterrorism and served as Acting Director of the WHO Mediterranean Centre for Health Risk Reduction in Tunisia, before joining PANAFTOSA in 2009.
A graduate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Parma, Italy, with postgraduate training in Tropical Veterinary Medicine from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, Dr Cosivi has combined technical expertise with strategic leadership throughout his career. His contribution has strengthened collaboration between animal and public health sectors and reinforced science-based approaches to disease control, notably across the Americas and worldwide.
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Animal Health Forum:
Investing in Animal Health and Welfare to Secure Everyone’s Future
18–19 May 2026 | CNIT Forest, Paris
The Forum brought together a whole-of-society coalition of actors shaping the future of animal health and welfare, including government leaders such as Ministers of Finance, Agriculture, and Health; financial institutions and investors, from the World Bank Group to private investment funds and venture capital; industry pioneers across agri-food, pharmaceuticals, and AgTech; and civil society and community representatives, including farmers, livestock associations, and local cooperatives.
The 2026 Animal Health Forum centres on three complementary elements:
- A technical item : providing an analytical framework with practical examples, tools, and partnership models to strengthen animal health and welfare outcomes. Dr Franck C.J. Berthe, Senior Agriculture Specialist at the World Bank, served as rapporteur. The technical item will draw on expert inputs, key informant interviews, and workshops where appropriate.
- An in-person forum: In May, comprising structured discussions among high-level representatives, experts, and WOAH delegates through six thematic panels.
- Adoption of a WOAH resolution: to guide Members, partners, and WOAH’s future initiatives.
The investment paradox
Animal health and welfare underpin food security, human well-being, trade and economic prosperity across communities and value chains. Yet, despite a global livestock market valued at US$1.37 trillion, investment in animal health and welfare remains chronically underfunded. This mismatch between economic importance and financing constitutes a clear investment paradox.
The cost inaction is tangible. Many WOAH Members lack the minimum operational or emergency funding for their Veterinary Services, weakening prevention, detection and response capacity and creating systemic risks that spill beyond borders and supply chains. These vulnerabilities increasingly impact markets, investors, and national economies.
At the same time, the returns on investment are compelling. Investments in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control alone are estimated to yield annual returns of 31–88%. More broadly, bringing Veterinary Services worldwide up to WOAH international standard compliance would cost just US$2.3 billion annually, roughly 0.1% of the livestock market’s value and less than 0.05% of the direct cost of COVID-19.
The challenge lies not only in mobilising the needed capital, but allocating responsibility. Animal health and welfare activities generate a mix of both public and private benefits, at both national and global levels. While the principle that “those who benefit should pay” is widely cited, it is difficult to apply in practice: animal health and welfare benefits spill over borders, along value chains, and between public and private actors, and no single stakeholder (whether government, producers, industry, or consumers) can bear the costs alone. Capacity to pay also varies widely, and there is therefore no universal funding formula. Financing decisions must therefore balance “the ability to pay” with mechanisms that share costs fairly and equitably among all beneficiaries.
The central question: who should pay for what in animal health and welfare, and how can investment be structured to share risks fairly and equitably while delivering sustainable returns?
The 2026 Animal Health Forum aimed to:
- Build political momentum on why investment in animal health and welfare as a strategic priority, spanning national and global dimensions
- Define who should invest, pay, and co-finance by framing health and welfare as a continuum of public and private goods
- Build consensus on an investment framework that enables a fair and feasible allocation of costs and benefits, taking into consideration both capacities to pay and benefits received
- Show how investment can be translated into action, by highlighting practical, scalable financing and delivery models drawn from diverse national and regional contexts or value chains
- Demonstrate how improved animal health and welfare de-risks investment, by equipping participants with clear evidence and targeted messages adapted to different audiences
- Adopt a resolution to pave the way for WOAH, Member and stakeholder actions and investment strategies.
From “Cost” to “Strategic Investment”
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is the intergovernmental body responsible for improving animal health and welfare worldwide. Established in 1924, it works with 183 Member Countries to set international standards, ensure transparency on animal health, and strengthen Veterinary Services through capacity building and global programmes.
Each May, WOAH convenes its General Session, bringing together over 150 countries and around 1,300 participants. The first two days are dedicated to the Animal Health Forum, which each year focuses on a strategic issue of global relevance. To support discussions, WOAH develops a technical item, shared in advance with Members to frame the debate during the Forum and provide evidence-based insights.
Venue: Baobab 2
- The AMR Corner-Securing our future
- Publications and Documentation
- One Health
- WAHIS
- WildEpi & Wildlife Health Hub
- STAR IDAZ IRC
- International Coalition for Animal Welfare
- BioPREVAIL
- Cyberbiosecurity Research
- The WOAH Observatory
- WOAH’s Official disease status
- IHSC – Representing Horse sports
- ASF-AID: Theory to Practice
- The WOAH Capacity Building System
- Together Against TADs
- Regional support to members
- Essential Veterinary Medicines List for food producing animals
- The World Bank Group
- WOAH Gift Shop
Side events
HPAI vaccination and trade
Date: Mon 18, 12h45 to 13h45
Venue: Davidia 1&2
The Netherlands, some other member countries, EU and WOAH planned a side event with the aim to have a discussion about vaccination against HPAI, and the potential impact on international trade. It also aimed to provide a platform for collaboration among countries to work on the acceptation of products of vaccinated poultry.
MSD Lunch & Learn Panel Discussion — “Veterinary Workforce Shortages: The Americas’ and Global Perspectives.”
Date: Tue 19 May, 13h15 – 14h15
Venue: Dragonnier 3
With the WOAH Regional Representative, officials, and industry experts, we explored the scale and drivers of shortages, sectoral contrasts and sectors’ roles in surveillance, preparedness, and response, collaboration opportunities, and veterinary education.
Capacity, Collaboration, and Capital: Veterinary Services for the Future by leveraging 20 Years of PVS insights
Date: Tue 19 May, 13h15 – 14h15
Venue: Dragonnier 4
Drawing on 20 years of insight from the PVS Pathway, panelists explored how strong institutional capacity underpins resilient and future-ready Veterinary Services and shared their perspectives to highlight how PVS informed improved governance, legislation, financing, training, and service delivery, by connecting capacity, collaboration, and capital.
Mobilising Investments for dog mediated Rabies Elimination: Country experiences and Partner perspectives
Date: Tue 19 May, 13h15 – 14h15
Venue: Dragonnier 5
This session explored how countries and partners are unlocking investment for rabies elimination—sharing practical financing strategies, partnership approaches, and what makes a compelling case to attract sustained support.
Investing in Animal Welfare: from Standards to Implementation
Date: Tue 19 May, 13h15 – 14h15
Venue: Dragonnier 6
The panel discussed why animal welfare investment is a strategic choice, not just a cost. It showed how WOAH standards provide a common framework to prioritise and mobilise public and private investment in animal welfare while ensuring animal and public health and sustainable economic and social progress.
Improving Veterinary Medicines Regulation: A Self-Assessment Tool Designed for members
Date: Tue 19 May, 17h – 18h
Venue: Dragonnier 3
This interactive session introduced the Veterinary Medicines Regulatory Agency Self-Assessment Tool (VMRA-SAT), designed to support Members in identifying strengths, gaps, and priorities in their veterinary medicines regulatory systems. The session also provided an opportunity to explore how the tool can support national reforms and to share your views to help shape its future development.
Overcoming Under-Investment in Animal Health Challenges and Opportunities
Date: Tue 19 May, 17h – 18h
Venue: Dragonnier 4
This session aimed to address the real-world constraints and enablers shaping investment in animal health. It unpacked key structural barriers, highlight practical examples of what works, and bridge perspectives across public, private, and regulatory actors. Ultimately, the discussion seeked to position animal health as a strategic investment priority by identifying actionable pathways to translate it from a public good into scalable, investable models.
Towards a Stronger Global FMD Control Strategy: Responding to an evolving risk landscape
Date: Tue 19 May, 16h45 – 18h
Venue: Dragonnier 5
This GF‑TADs side event reviewed the current global epidemiological landscape of FMD and examine emerging challenges affecting control efforts. It focused on identifying strategic gaps and priorities to inform the revision of the Global FMD Control Strategy, with attention to effective, sustainable, and high‑impact actions.
PREVENT Forum: Action starts now
Date: Tue 19 May, 17h – 18h
Venue: Dragonnier 6
The PREVENT Forum is a public-private partnership aiming to move towards more proactive disease prevention by 2030. Responding to a resolution adopted by all WOAH Members in 2025, it will seek to address barriers to animal vaccination: Planning, Regulatory pathways, Economic evidence, Vaccine access, Equity, National strategies, and Trade.
“30 Years of Official Animal Health Status Recognition”: Supporting Safe Trade and Global Animal Health
Date: Wed, 20 May, 12h25 – 13h45
Venue: Dragonnier 3
This side event marked the 30th anniversary of WOAH’s official animal health status recognition by showcasing its value and impact, explaining how it operates and has evolved, and exploring priorities to ensure it remains credible, responsive and fit for purpose.
P3V, a concrete approach for integrating PPVs into accessible, inclusive and sustainable Veterinary Services
Date: Wed, 20 May, 12h25 – 13h45
Venue: Dragonnier 4
After five years of implementation, the P3V project has generated tools and approaches that strengthen an environment enabling to the veterinary profession and the integration of VPPs. This Side Event aims to highlight the results and promote the best practices developed for accessible and high-quality veterinary services.
4th Meeting of the GF-TADs Global Coordination Committee on African Swine Fever
Date: Wed, 20 May, 12h25 – 13h45
Venue: Dragonnier 5
Bringing together the Chairs of the GF-TADs Regional Steering Committees and SGE-ASF members to discuss technical priorities of each region and launch the ASF Global Initiative 2026–2030.
World Fund Advisory Committee
Date: Wed, 20 May, 12h25 – 13h45
Venue: Dragonnier 6
This meeting was 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.
Overarching Framework for Animal Movement Control Systems – WOAH Initiative
Date: Thurs 21 May, 13h15 – 14h15
Venue: Dragonnier 3
Animal movements (domestic/wild, legal/illegal) drive animal transboundary diseases and zoonoses spread, and biodiversity loss. WOAH framework promotes a risk-based system approach integrating governance, implementation, law enforcement, surveillance, and monitoring.
From Evidence to Investment: Leveraging partnerships, science and innovations for safe trade
Date: Thurs 21 May, 13h15 – 14h15
Venue: Dragonnier 4
This STDF event explored how evidence, partnerships and innovation can boost investment in animal health systems. It highlighted STDF experiences and practical pathways to strengthen standards uptake and facilitate safe trade.
Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in Global Veterinary Governance: From Principles to Practice
Date: Thurs 21 May, 13h15 – 14h15
Venue: Dragonnier 5
How can gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) strengthen veterinary systems? This interactive session explored how inclusive approaches improve access, participation and protection within animal health governance. As GEDSI is now integrated under Enabler 3 of WOAH’s 8th Strategic Plan, the discussion moved from principles to practice. Four Members (Brazil, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, United Arab Emirates) shared concrete experiences and lessons learned. Participants also worked in small groups to identify realistic actions that could be implemented in the coming years and explore how WOAH can support them. The session aimed to foster collaboration, peer learning and practical solutions across regions.
Climate Change and Animal Health: Contributions, Impact and Solutions through a One Health Approach
Date: Thurs 21 May, 13h15 – 14h15
Venue: Dragonnier 6
This side event explored the impacts of climate change on animal health and presents One Health solutions. It highlighted risks, shared WOAH insights, and discussed policy and tools to strengthen climate-resilient animal health systems and support integrated action.
Advancing Global Wildlife Health: Launch of the updated WOAH Strategy
Date: Fri 22 May, 12h45 -13h45
Venue: Dragonnier 3
Join us to unveil WOAH’s revised Global Wildlife Health Strategy. Discover key achievements of the previous Wildlife Health Framework with insights from contributing Members, and how investment in wildlife health through a One Health approach can address climate change, wildlife trade risks, and strengthen environmental resilience
Foresight, horizon scanning and epidemic intelligence to improve risk monitoring and preparedness
Date: Fri 22 May, 12h45 -13h45
Venue: Dragonnier 4
This was an event organised by WOAH – Data Integration and Analytics Department with the support and contribution of Canada and France. The side event focused on epidemic intelligence, forecasting and real-time surveillance. The aim was to i) clarify key concepts in epidemic intelligence, horizon scanning, forecasting, ii) discuss available tools and approaches, and iii) highlight how WOAH and its partners and network of experts can support its members, particularly through quantitative methods based on data collected by WOAH and other institutions
CVO AMR Lunch: Sharing Experience, Shaping Global Action
Date: Fri 22 May, 12h45 -13h45
Venue: Dragonnier 6
This invitation only third annual CVO AMR Lunch welcomed CVOs to share insights on barriers and opportunities for addressing AMR with their peers. Drawing on diverse country perspectives, the meeting aimed to foster cooperation and coordinated action towards our shared global commitment to prevent and control AMR and advance animal health. This side event was by invitation only.
Working documents
Final Report
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Report, Final
93GS Final Report
.pdf – 4 MB See the document
Final Resolutions
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Resolutions, Final
GS93 – Final resolutions
.pdf – 5 MB See the document
Administrative reports
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Report, Administrative
93GS Adm-01: Provisional Programme
.pdf – 313 KB See the document -
Administrative
93GS Adm-02 : DG Activities Report
.pdf – 2 MB See the document -
Report, Administrative
93GS Adm-03: Director General’s Report on 2025 WOAH Management, Activities and Administrative Work
.pdf – 545 KB See the document -
Report, Administrative
93GS Adm-04: WOAH Eighth Strategic Plan for the period 2027 -2031
.pdf – 675 KB See the document -
Report, Administrative
93GS Adm-05: Report of the Governance Review Committee
.pdf – 911 KB See the document -
Administrative
93GS Adm-06: MoU GALVmed
.pdf – 357 KB See the document -
Report, Administrative
93GS Adm-07: MoU IMS
.pdf – 289 KB See the document -
Report, Administrative
93GS Adm-08: MoU WBG
.pdf – 275 KB See the document -
Report, Administrative
93GS Adm-09: MoU WDA
.pdf – 322 KB See the document -
Administrative
93GS Adm-10: Activities of the Council
.pdf – 237 KB See the document -
Report, Administrative
93GS Adm-11: Regional Conferences
.pdf – 456 KB See the document -
Administrative
93GS Adm-12: Regional Commissions
.pdf – 910 KB See the document
Financial reports
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Report, Financial
93GS Fin-01:2025 Financial Report
.pdf – 2 MB See the document -
Report, Financial
93GS Fin-02: Auditors of the Council Report
.pdf – 2 MB See the document -
Report, Financial
93GS Fin-03: Report of the External Auditor on the Accounts for 2025
.pdf – 783 KB See the document -
Report, Financial
93GS Fin-04: Adjustments to the 2026 Budgeted Work Programme
.pdf – 482 KB See the document -
Report, Financial
93GS Fin-05: 2027 Budgeted Work Programme, Income Estimates and Related Contribution Scale
.pdf – 811 KB See the document -
Report, Financial
93GS Fin-06: Proposal for the Amendment of the Provisions in Chapter VI, Article 60.2-c of the Staff Regulations
.pdf – 709 KB See the document
Technical reports
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Technical
93GS Tech-01: Technical Item
.pdf – 1 MB See the document -
Report, Technical
93GS Tech-02: Animal Health Situation
.pdf – 1 MB See the document -
Report, Technical
93GS Tech-03: Wildlife Working Group
.pdf – 389 KB See the document -
.pdf – 1 MB See the document
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Report, Technical
93GS Tech-05: Code Commission
.pdf – 721 KB See the document -
Report, Technical
93GS Tech-06: Scientific Commission
.pdf – 201 KB See the document -
Report, Technical
93GS Tech-07: Aquatic Animals Commission
.pdf – 1 MB See the document -
Report, Technical
93GS Tech-08: Biological Standards Commission
.pdf – 6 MB See the document
The 93rd General Session integrated sustainability, inclusivity, and wellbeing measures into its planning and operations, aiming to systematically embed sustainability, raise awareness among WOAH staff and stakeholders, and identify areas for future improvement.
Responsible Procurement and Supplier Engagement
- Sustainability and CSR commitments were considered as part of supplier engagement and procurement processes. The majority of suppliers for the event had established sustainability or CSR policies.
- Accessibility considerations were reviewed for the event venue and participant services.
- Sustainability coordination and monitoring mechanisms were integrated throughout the event planning process.
Resource Use and Waste Reduction
- A digital-first communication approach was implemented through the use of the GS app, website, and onsite digital signage to reduce printed materials.
- Refillable water stations were available throughout the venue to encourage the use of reusable bottles and reduce single-use plastics.
- Badge and lanyard were recycled and sanitized at the end of the event.
- Reusable or non-disposable catering service materials were prioritized where possible.
Sustainable Catering
- The catering service emphasized seasonal menus and the use of locally sourced ingredients.
- Collaboration with SAVR, a social enterprise, for the redistribution of surplus food and reduction of avoidable food waste. Approximately 8.5 kg of surplus food was redistributed, equivalent to 19 meals.
Inclusion and Diversity
- Diversity monitoring was implemented for speakers and participants across major event sessions and side events.
- A Code of Conduct and anti-harassment measures were implemented throughout the event.
- Accessibility and dietary requirements were incorporated into event planning and catering arrangements.
- Dedicated focal points and volunteers were available to support participant wellbeing during the event.
- A multipurpose room was reserved for prayer, quiet reflection, breastfeeding, rest, and as a low-stimulation space for neurodivergent participants.
Participants rated the event’s sustainability efforts 4.15 out of 5 and measures related to inclusivity, safety, and participant wellbeing received an even higher average rating of 4.44 out of 5.
WOAH remains committed to continuously strengthening sustainability, inclusivity, and responsible event management practices for future General Sessions and institutional events, building on the lessons learned and recommendations identified through this year’s experience.
Read our featured stories
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Photos
Accreditation to access the event on site
To request accreditation, kindly reach out to our media team at [email protected] with your name and media outlet you work for. Your accreditation will be confirmed by email. 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 follow the topics covered throughout the event:
- Open sessions (“webcast”), including The Animal Health Forum will be livestreamed on woah.org and YouTube.
- Several articles will be published during the week
- Highlights from the sessions will be relayed on our social media channels
The 93rd Annual General Session took place in Paris from Monday 18 to Friday 22 May 2026. The event brought together over 1, 305 participants, including representatives from 130 Members, as well as representatives from international and regional organisations, observer countries and territories, key stakeholders and several Ministers.
During the five-day event, participants 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 Animal Health Forum, “Investing in Animal Health and Welfare to Secure Everyone’s Future” explored barriers impeding the development and use of vaccines in disease prevention and control strategies.
In addition, the second edition of The State of the World’s Animal Health was released, providing an evidence-based overview of the global animal health landscape. The report, in line with the Animal Health Forum’s theme, also highlights the impact of prioritising the Veterinary Services, and workforce capacity in building a safer, more resilient future for all.
Outcomes
Over 1, 305 participants from 130 countries and territories
joined the event in person – including representatives of Members as well as scientists and observers from partner organisations.
16 Ministers
one high-level representative and two Quadripartite principals addressed the Assembly during the Opening Ceremony
#WOAHGS
Over 60, 800 people engaged in online discussions around the 93rd General Session
Main achievements
35 resolutions
adopted by Delegates to improve animal health and welfare globally
51 international standards
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
3
new chapters
9
revised chapters
Terrestrial Manual
17
revised chapters
Aquatic Code
18
revised chapters
Aquatic Manual
4
revised chapters
6 Members had new animal health statuses recognised
3 Members had their animal disease control programmes endorsed
A strengthened network
3
Memorandum of Understanding were signed with partners
4
New centres of scientific excellence
for a total of 359 Reference Centres located in 50 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
1
new members of the
Bureau of the Regional Commission
for Americas
2
new members of the Bureau of the Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Related articles
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Published on 22/05/2026
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Published on 20/05/2026
Code of Conduct during WOAH 93rd General Session
If you witnessed or were a victim of harassment at the 93rd General Session, please write to [email protected]
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 is appointed to receive any complaints raised by an employee or participants. The first step will involve the focal point discreetly approaching the alleged perpetrator, informing him/her of the allegation(s), and discussing the incident. In many cases, the matter may be resolved through dialogue, with clarification of 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.