Last week, we attended the FAO’s first ever Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock to shine a spotlight on the need to transition to humane and sustainable farming practices.

The event, which took place at the FAO’s headquarters in Rome, from 25-27 September, provided a forum for FAO members, NGOs, academics, the farming community and other stakeholders to come together to discuss sustainable livestock transformation.

They explored how to produce more nutritious, safe and accessible animal sourced foods with a reduced environmental footprint, as well as how to contribute to vibrant local and diversified farming systems that are more resilient to disruption.

Ensuring animal welfare remains a priority

Representatives from our International Affairs and Research teams attended, along with our China representative, Jeff Zhou. They shared the importance of humane and sustainable practices in discussions relating to livestock farming and the need to feed a growing global population.

The team observed plenary sessions, attended side events and built new connections with leading international thought leaders and policy makers.

One Health One Welfare

Jeff Zhou, our representative in China, spoke at a side event on 25 September, raising awareness of how good animal welfare goes hand in hand with food security, safety and human health.

The event, ‘One Health, One Welfare’ was organised by the International Cooperation Committee of Animal Welfare (ICCAW) and the China Association for the Promotion of International Agricultural Cooperation (CAPIAC). It explored the clear links between animal welfare, food security, safety, and human health.

Jeff explained how the ‘one welfare' concept naturally aligns with the 'one health' approach—a pathway towards a more sustainable livestock sector, where the wellbeing of animals, people, and the planet thrives in harmony.

Jeff also chaired an additional side event on 28 September – World Farm Animal Welfare-Beijing Consensus - from common understanding to joint action – which focused on creating practical strategies for a sustainable future for animals, human beings and their environment.

Eirini Pitsilidi, Head of our International Affairs team, said: “Hosting the first ever Sustainable Livestock conference is a welcome recognition from the FAO that in order to meet the challenge of feeding a global population of 10 billion by 2050, we must revolutionise our global food system, embrace and scale up regenerative practices taking into account not only food security but also nutrition security. The wellbeing of animals in the animal agriculture sector can play a vital role in this transformation.” 

Find out more about how our International Affairs team are advocating for a sustainable and fair global food system.