On Monday, 2 June 2025, a landmark virtual ceremony brought together the four Quadripartite agencies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region), i.e. FAO, UNEP, WOAH and WHO to mark the signing of a Joint Statement of Intent. This event was the culmination of months of intensive dialogue, joint technical collaboration, and unwavering commitment among the four partner organisations.
During the ceremony, the agencies officially signed and endorsed three foundational regional documents that will shape the future of One Health in the region:
The event was opened with welcoming remarks from high-level representatives of each organization:
In their statements, the Quadripartite Regional Directors emphasised the importance of this strategic alliance to implement One Health activities and address shared regional challenges. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to supporting countries through coordinated action and technical cooperation.
“ I am glad to see how the Regional One Health Coordination Mechanism provides a governance structure that is inclusive, strategic, and technically robust. It formalizes how the Quadripartite partners will jointly set priorities, lead strategic interventions, support evidence-based policymaking, and mobilize resources.”- Mr. Abdulhakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa,
“As UNEP, we look forward to working to achieve the objectives outlined in the Regional Quadripartite One Health Action Plan 2025-2027. Our collective effort in advancing one health is already bearing fruit, with two countries, Egypt and Lebanon being selected for MPTF funding; this is a testament to today’s theme “One Health, One Region, One Strength”. We look forward to more and more such joint initiatives in the years to come.”– Mr. Abdul-Majeid Haddad, UNEP Deputy Regional Director, on behalf of Mr Sami Dimassi, UNEP Regional Director and Representative, UNEP Regional Office for West Asia,
“Together through our new regional One Health Action plan, we will support countries with the tools, coordination, and political commitment needed to turn vision into action. The implementation of the one health approach is not optional, but it is essential. Let us seize this opportunity to build a healthier and safer world for present and future generations. One region, one world, one health, one commitment.”– Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO).
Under the slogan “One Health, One Region, One Strength,” the four agencies pledged to work together to build a healthier, more resilient future for the Near & Middle East, North Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Dr. Ahmad Almajali, WOAH Regional Representative for the Middle East
At the end of the ceremony, WOAH handed over the function of hosting the One Health Quadripartite Secretariat for the Near & Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Mediterranean Region, to FAO.
Online Signing Ceremony of the Regional QPT Joint Statement .Screenshot
