The World Veterinary Association Congress (WVAC 2026) took place in Tokyo, Japan this April. The congress focused on the “One Health for a Better Tomorrow” theme and convened thousands of veterinary professionals, researchers, and global experts to explore infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and veterinary advancements.
For the third year, WVEA founder Dr Jeannet Kessels was honoured to present to the presidents of many national and multinational global veterinary associations, gathered for the General Assembly of the WVA, to drive engagement and inspire action on climate, sustainability and biodiversity protection.
Dr. Kessels provided a clear outline for WVEA’s priorities across our five focus areas. Listed below, the priorities are devised to further connect, guide, and empower veterinarians worldwide to protect animals, people, and the planet.
Thank you to the team at WVA for a week full of connections and strategizing for the future. WVEA is delighted to be in partnership with WVA.
WVEA’s priorities across our five focus areas
1. Global Policy
- 80% of veterinary associations to have a policy on climate, sustainability and biodiversity protection.
- The global profession unites in our advocacy for animals afflicted by the triple planetary crisis. They have no voice to speak.
2. Education
- Climate science, adaptation, sustainability and biodiversity protection in every veterinary curriculum and practical veterinary education globally.
- Continuing education and presence at all veterinary conferences.
3. Biodiversity
- Advocate together for stronger environmental laws.
- Limit the veterinary profession’s contributions to biodiversity loss – careful dispensing choices, including parasiticides and antimicrobials.
4. Sustainability – In Clinic and Equine
- Each country to act locally on practical sustainability and emissions reduction.
- WVEA will help to scale, amplify and celebrate this great work.
5. Sustainability – On Farm
- Promote methane reduction and regenerative farming practices while considering, always, animal welfare. Solutions across the global north and south will be different, with region-specific interventions to be adopted.
- Support the veterinary profession on the frontline of climate impacts.
