Dr Tomoko Ishibashi has been appointed by Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, the Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), as WOAH Regional Representative for Asia & the Pacific, based in Tokyo. This appointment reflects her long-standing commitment and exceptional service to WOAH, spanning more than 12 years at Headquarters in Paris and at the Regional Representation in Tokyo.
Dr Ishibashi brings extensive experience gained across various roles within WOAH and the government of Japan. Prior to joining WOAH, she served at Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), where she contributed to animal health policy and agricultural trade negotiations.
During her career at WOAH, Dr Ishibashi chaired the WOAH Antimicrobial Resistance Working Group and completed her mandate at the 92nd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates in May 2025. She began her tenure with our Organisation in 2004 as Chargée de mission in the International Trade Department, where she played an instrumental role in revising and developing the Terrestrial Animal Health Codes. She later served as Deputy Head of the Scientific and Technical Department, contributing to initiatives including the 2007 Joint FAO/WHO/WOAH Expert Meeting on Critically Important Antimicrobials.
After returning to Japan, she joined the WOAH Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific as Deputy Representative, deepening her understanding of animal health priorities in the region and supporting Members in addressing emerging challenges.
In 2015, Dr Ishibashi rejoined Headquarters as Senior Manager of Standards Development and the Horizontal Management Framework, where she coordinated the work of WOAH Specialist Commissions and supported initiatives related to veterinary education and the training of veterinary paraprofessionals. Until 2018, she also represented WOAH within the FAO/WHO/WOAH secretariat to the United Nations Interagency Coordination Group (IACG) on Antimicrobial Resistance.
On 5 January, Dr Ishibashi succeeded Dr Hirofumi Kugita, who served with distinction as Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific for approximately 13 years. On behalf of the organisation, Director-General Dr Soubeyran has communicated sincere appreciation to Dr Kugita for his leadership and commitment throughout his tenure.
The Asia Pacific region comprises Members with diverse ecosystems and animal production systems, ranging from major livestock‑producing economies to small island nations. Rising demand for animal products continues to drive vibrant domestic and international trade. Yet this growth also brings complex challenges, including the spread of transboundary animal diseases, varying levels of veterinary capacity, and increasing pressures linked to expanding regional and global trade.
In this context, the Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific will continue to focus on strengthening veterinary services, improving preparedness for transboundary animal diseases, and supporting the implementation of WOAH’s international standards to facilitate safe trade. Dr Ishibashi’s long experience in standard‑setting, regional capacity building, and collaboration with Members provides a solid foundation for advancing these priorities across Asia and the Pacific.
Please join us in congratulating Dr Ishibashi on her appointment and in supporting her as she undertakes this important role for WOAH and the region.
