Events

International Year of Camelids 2024 Opening Ceremony

From: 04.12.2023 to: 04.12.2023

The International Year of Camelids 2024 Opening Ceremony will be held in the Sheikh Zayed Centre at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters on 4 December 2023 from 12.30–14.00 CET. The event will be livestreamed online here.

The United Nations declared 2024 the International Year of Camelids (IYC 2024) implemented by FAO. The Year will highlight how camelids are key to the livelihoods of millions of households across over 90 countries. From alpacas to Bactrian camels, dromedaries, guanacos, llamas and vicuñas, camelids contribute to food security, nutrition and economic growth. They also hold a strong cultural significance for communities across the world.

Camelids play a key role in the culture, economy, food security and livelihoods of communities in Andean highlands and in the arid and semi-arid lands in Africa and Asia, including Indigenous Peoples. Even in extreme climatic conditions they continue to produce fibre and nutritious food. Indeed, the International Year of Camelids presents a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the role of camelids in building resilience to climate change – particularly in mountains and arid and semi-arid lands.

The International Year of Camelids 2024 aims to build awareness of the untapped potential of camelids and to call for increased investment in the camelid sector, advocating for greater research, capacity development and the use of innovative practices and technologies.

Watch the webcast