Unsustainable production and consumption patterns are leading to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss along with increasing frequency and severity of interlinked human and animal health threats. Adopting a One Health approach recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment - offers promising solutions for addressing unprecedented challenges facing people, animals, and the planet.
Since 2022, FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH have worked together as the Quadripartite to advance the One Health approach worldwide. Significant steps included advocating for the integration of One Health principles into agendas and policies on the global stage including the G7 and G20 engagements, as well as the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) tasked to draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement or other international instruments on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
Alongside this month’s sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, the Quadripartite is hosting its second session of the Quadripartite Executive Annual Meeting (QEAM-2). The meeting brings together the four organizations to discuss how the Quadripartite can:.
- Promote and support the implementation of the One Health Joint Plan of Action at country level
- Generate and share science and evidence for the implementation of the One Health approach
- Maintain the political engagement and advocacy for One Health
- Maintain and strengthen the Quadripartite’s joint coordination functions.