An extra-ordinary Presidents' Assembly took place on Saturday 22 May in the OIE buildings in Paris. Delegates from all continents joined the meeting in order to discuss a future strategy for WVA and policies such as regarding education and veterinary medicines. The Assembly specially welcomed Germany, France and Bahrain who all became WVA members recently.
The opportunity was also used to pay tribute to the former staff of the Copenhagen WVA Secretariat, namely Birgitte Sorensen, Lars Holsaae and Annette Lychau Petersen.
From left to right: Annette Lychau Petersen, President Tjeerd Jorna, Lars Holsaae, Vice-President Fauozi Kechrid, Immediate Past-President Leon Russell, Birgitte Sørensen, Vice-President Duane Landals.
WVA, wanting to improve its profile and visibility, aims to hold its World Veterinary Congress more frequently. As such, it was planned for the next WVC's to be in 2011 (Cape Town, South Africa), 2013 (Prague, Czech Republic) and 2015 (Istanbul, Turkey). During the WVC, in addition to the Council and PA meeting, WVA will start organising in close collaboration with organisations such as OIE, FAO and WHO, a World Veterinary Summit.
Prof JP Chary presented the Vet2011 project, aimed to mark the 250 world anniversary of veterinary education and veterinary medicine. The official opening will take place on 24 January in Versailles, France and the closing session will take place during the World Veterinary Summit at the WVC 2011 in Cape Town. All veterinary associations are invited to celebrate Vet2011!
Attendees at the Presidents' Assembly
