The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) invite journalists from across Africa to the Regional Forum on the International Year of Camelids and Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Africa, to be held from 10 to 12 June 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, and online.
This major regional forum will bring together Ministers, livestock experts, development partners, and private sector representatives to discuss how sustainable livestock systems can support food security, climate resilience, and livelihoods across the continent. The event builds on global momentum around the International Year of Camelids and follows the successful Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation hosted by FAO in 2023.
Sustainable livestock transformation is critical to Africa’s food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods. Strengthening livestock systems can drive progress toward ending hunger and poverty, reducing environmental impacts, creating jobs, and supporting inclusive economic growth. Supportive policies and investments are essential.
The forum will also highlight the many virtues of camelids, particularly dromedary camels in Africa, in addressing the challenges of climate change. They have the ability to harness the natural resources available in hostile and harsh environments, including arid and semi-arid lands, to provide milk, meat, fibre, transport, and livelihoods. Yet camel herders face challenges ranging from lack of veterinary services to underdeveloped markets.
The forum will spotlight these issues and explore ways to unlock the full potential of all livestock to support Africa’s development goals.
The Forum will open on Tuesday 10 June with high-level statements and keynote speeches from:
- Hon. Mutai Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Kenya
- Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union
- Huyam Salih, Director, AU-IBAR
- Thanawat Tiensin, Director, Animal Production and Health Division, FAO
- Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa
The forum will also feature panel discussions, technical sessions, an exhibition on camelids, and a showcase of successful initiatives from across Africa.
The event will be held in English, with simultaneous interpretation into French.
