Regional Representation Celebrates WOAH's 100th Anniversary

25 January 2024 (Japan) – In January, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) proudly commemorated 100 years of commitment and achievements in advancing animal health and welfare worldwide. To mark the occasion, the WOAH Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific (RRAP) held a modest gathering on the grounds of the University of Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan, which has hosted the organisation’s regional office since 2011. In attendance were current and former staff, domestic partners, and collaborators.

Dr Hirofumi Kugita, Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, presents at the gathering.

At the gathering, Dr Hirofumi Kugita, WOAH Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific gave remarks on important milestones for the organisation, especially in the region. Dr Teruhide Fujita, former WOAH Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific and Dr Tomoko Ishibashi, former WOAH Deputy Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, also shared reflections on WOAH’s history and achievements in the region and globally.

Representatives from the University of Tokyo and Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also joined in giving celebratory remarks for longstanding collaboration and partnership.

WOAH celebrated its centenary globally on the same date, and will continue highlighting the occasion throughout the year, underscoring the importance of its mission to advance animal health. For more details on how WOAH’s 100th birthday was celebrated worldwide, see the below link, and further down a video (“the voices behind WOAH”) of staff sharing thoughts, and further articles on the occasion.