ICFAW at the 93rd WOAH General Session May 2026 | Paris, France
The International Coalition for Animal Welfare (ICFAW) participated in the 93rd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), held from Monday, 18 to Friday, 22 May 2026 in Paris, France.
ICFAW attended with a delegation of 31 members from different organisations, engaging with representatives from 182 country delegations throughout the event. This year's session centred on the theme "Investing in Animal Health to secure everyone´s future," reflecting the global concern on animal health financial support and sustainable development. During the plenary sessions the presentation and discussion of the terrestrial animal health standards for adoption. The Chapter 5.4 to 5.7. Measures and procedures applicable during “exportation”, “transit” and importation and the Article 7.5.30 of the Chapter 7.5. Animal Welfare during Slaughter was proposed and approved for adoption. Please find more details in the Report of February. https://www.woah.org/en/blog/document/terrestrial-animal-health-standards-commission_report_february-2026/
WOAH Side Event – 19 May ICFAW participated in the WOAH-hosted side event "Investing in Animal Welfare: From Standards to Implementation." Our colleague Sarah Shields (Humane World for Animals) joined as a panellist on behalf of ICFAW, the event brought the discussion that investment in animal welfare is a strategic imperative, not merely an operational cost.
ICFAW Side Event – 20 May ICFAW hosted its own side event: "Enhancing Animal Welfare During Transport: Practical Solutions and Multistakeholder Dialogue." Moderated by Carolina Cardoso Nagib Nascimento (Four Paws), the session brought together a distinguished panel of experts from across sectors and continents:
Andrea Gavanelli – Head of Animal Welfare, European Commission
Marcela Valadez – Humane World for Animals
Prof. Stella Maris Huertas – University of the República Oriental del Uruguay
Nancy DeBruynce – Federation of Veterinarians of Europe
Dr. Rebecca Garcia – UK WOAH focal point
Peter Hencz – Hunland Trans LtD.
Silvia Meriggi – Animals' Angels
The panel offered valuable cross-sector insights into the most pressing actions needed to advance animal welfare in transport, highlighting practical solutions and the importance of collaboration between governments, industry, academia, and civil society.
ICFAW Kiosk Throughout the General Session, the ICFAW delegation maintained a dedicated information kiosk, where attendees could access educational materials, participate in an interactive quiz, and respond to a survey — creating meaningful opportunities for engagement beyond the formal programme.
Once again, the ICFAW delegation demonstrated its role as a key advocate for animal welfare on the international stage, fostering dialogue and collaboration with policymakers, veterinarians, scientists, and industry partners from around the world.