WOAH DG Emmanuelle Soubeyran speaking at the University of Tokyo, Japan.
Tokyo, Japan – The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Director General, Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, gave a special seminar at the University of Tokyo titled, “International opportunities for young professionals in One Health,” addressing an audience of 97 faculty, young professionals and staff.
The event began with warm opening remarks from Dr Kazushige Touhara, Dean for the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University of Tokyo. This was followed by welcome remarks from Dr Masatsugu Okita, Director of the Animal Health Division, Food Safety and Consumer Affairs Bureau at the Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and WOAH Delegate for Japan.
Slide from the seminar showing animal health’s place in the UN SDGs and its broad impact.
Dr Soubeyran framed her talk around the concept of One Health, explaining WOAH’s work through the lens of protecting animal health, using the example of avian influenza and its dramatic spread and impacts on farms, communities, and soaring food prices around the world.
She explained how animal health plays a key role and is at the heart of global health and development challenges, showing its place and influence in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. She pointed out WOAH takes a multi-faceted approach to its mission, basing its work on 4 pillars: Transparency, Standards, Capacity and Global Initiatives.
Dr Soubeyran’s seminar also highlighted how WOAH addresses key global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), future pandemic risks, and strategy of key partnerships with international organisations and political groups such as the G20, the G7, the UN General Assembly, and the Conference of Parties (COP).
She wrapped up her talk by highlighting opportunities for young professionals to get involved in different ways, via international organisations like WOAH and through regional and national entities. Her last message to the audience was to keep an open mind, which was important in a rapidly evolving world.
A University of Tokyo student from the USA asks a question.
After her presentation, Dr Soubeyran invited students to ask questions and join a two-way discussion. Students from the United States, Bangladesh, and Italy asked questions on One Health communication and networks, opportunities for the private sector to engage with Veterinary Services, and food production, consumption, and waste.
The seminar closed with remarks from Dr Takeshi Haga, Vice Dean for Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Tokyo, followed by a brief meet-and-greet for students and all other attendees.
Registration for the seminar at Ichijo Hall, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Registration for the seminar at Ichijo Hall, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Promotional flyer used for the seminar to advertise to students and all invited.
Opening remarks from Dr Kazushige Touhara, Dean for the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University of Tokyo.
Welcome remarks by Dr Masatsugu Okita, Director of the Animal Health Division, Food Safety and Consumer Affairs Bureau at the Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and WOAH Delegate for Japan.
Dr Soubeyran addresses the audience, explaining WOAH’s work in protecting animal health.
Dr Soubeyran addresses the audience, explaining WOAH’s work in protecting animal health.
Dr Soubeyran addresses the audience, highlighting WOAH's work on mitigating highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
A student from Italy posing a question.
A student from Bangladesh asks a question.
Dr Soubeyran and Dr Touhara from the University of Tokyo exchange mementos from respective institutions.
Dr Soubeyran poses with a group of attending students from the Philippines.
Dr Soubeyran with the WOAH Regional Representative and Deputy Regional Representative, and partners and supporters from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, the University of Tokyo, and a WOAH Collaborating Centre.
