FAO and HKSAR Sign Agreement to Enhance One Health Approach at World Food Forum 2025

Speech by USEE at partnership dialogue of Science and Innovation Forum of World Food Forum 2025 in Rome, Italy

Following is the speech by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, at the partnership dialogue of the Science and Innovation Forum of the World Food Forum 2025 organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy, today (October 17):

On the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)'s 80th anniversary, it is my honour to participate in the Partnership Dialogue today. This morning, we witnessed the signing of a Letter of Intent between the FAO and the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government to show mutual commitment to implement the One Health approach. This is indeed the best moment to take stock of the latest developments in the HKSAR.

In the international arena, the FAO, the World Organisation for Animal Health, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Environment Programme collaborate to drive the transformation required for mitigating the impact of health challenges at the human-animal-plant-environment interface at the global, regional and country level.

On the HKSAR's part, while our agricultural land is limited, we have embraced various innovative solutions in support of the One Health approach, including in the agrifood systems.

Back in September 2017, the HKSAR Government organised an International Conference on One Health in the HKSAR as one of the celebration activities for the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR.

In December 2023, the HKSAR Government announced the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries, which outlines the Government's vision and work targets to promote the upgrading and transformation of the local agricultural and fisheries industries. I will give two examples under the Blueprint, namely urban farming and a multi-storey pig farm.

We seek to develop urban farming through a multipronged approach, with a view to integrating commercial agriculture into urbanised areas of the city to produce high-quality and fresh agricultural produce with reduced carbon footprints, and also providing green landscapes and modernised farming experiences to the communities.

We have pioneered the adoption of high-efficiency hydroponic systems, which boost yield while simultaneously conserving water. These soil-free cultivation systems not only eliminate the need for chemical pesticides but also reduce the risk of plant disease transmission.

We have recently launched the first pilot urban farm that utilises advanced farming technology in a public park, and will set up modernised hydroponic farms-cum-stalls on suitable rooftops of public markets. These help promote the concept of "harvest-to-sale", shortening the supply chains from farms to consumers.

We are also pioneering the development of multi-storey, modernised, and environmental-friendly livestock farming that exemplifies the integration of advanced technology with the One Health principles.

This innovative vertical farming model harnesses cutting-edge automated systems and smart technologies to enhance biosecurity measures and significantly reduces environmental impact through enclosed, controlled environments. It not only curtails disease risks and reduces reliance on antibiotics but also maximises farming efficiency through precise resource management.

Our multi-storey pig farm project is scheduled to commence operation around 2032.

We now come to the prevention of zoonotic diseases. On diseases like avian influenza:

we have a robust, science-drivensurveillance and control programme, actively monitoring the viruses across the entire spectrum -from chicken farms and wholesale markets to pet bird shops, recreational parks and nature reserves;

we have enforced a compulsory vaccination programme on local farms for over two decades; and

with advancements in laboratory technology over the years, analysing local surveillance data and integrating findings from global health networks enable the updating of our designated vaccines in a timely manner to ensure vaccination efficacy.

The absence of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks on any local farm since 2008 demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach.

On antimicrobial resistance, we have been implementing a comprehensive Strategy and Action Plan through close collaboration on human health, animal health and environment fronts. Citing the work of the animal health sector for illustration purposes, the actions include:

systematic surveillance of antimicrobial usage and resistance in livestock;

the formulation of science‑based guidelines and farm-specific disease management plans to encourage prudent use of antimicrobials; and

practical support to farmers in strengthening hygiene, vaccination and biosecurity.

These concerted efforts reflect our commitment to innovation, prevention and integration under the One Health principles. We seek to safeguard human health and animal health and advance a healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable future for all. We will continue to deepen our interdisciplinary collaboration, guided by the One Health principles. In this way, we hope to transform challenges into opportunities and deliver tangible and lasting impact. Thank you.

Source: AI-found images

Speech by USEE at partnership dialogue of Science and Innovation Forum of World Food Forum 2025 in Rome, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images

Dog Adoption Carnival 2026 to be held this weekend

The "Let's Go! The Pet Owners' Journey" Dog Adoption Carnival 2026, organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), will be held at the Cyberport Arcade between 11am and 6pm this weekend (January 17 and 18). Admission is free. Members of the public are welcome to join the event with their dogs.

The Adoption Carnival aims to encourage members of the public who intend to keep pets, to adopt abandoned or unclaimed animals, as well as promote responsible pet ownership. The co-organisers of the Carnival include Cheung Chau Animal Care, HK Saving Cat and Dog Association, Lifelong Animal Protection Charity, Paws United Charity, Society for Abandoned Animals, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Team for Animals in Lantau South.

Members of the public can interact with dogs that are up for adoption at the Adoption Carnival. Dog keepers can apply for or renew licenses on site. The Carnival also features veterinary consultation services, a dog playground, a virtual reality gaming experience, game booths, an interactive educational exhibition, pet-themed handicraft workshops, as well as sharing sessions by representatives of animal welfare organisations (AWOs) and guest speakers. Participants are welcome to take part with their dogs. However, dogs entering the venue should be licensed (except for those to be licensed on-site), vaccinated against rabies, and microchipped. All dogs should also be kept under proper control.

The AFCD has been committed to encouraging members of the public who wish to keep pets to adopt abandoned or unclaimed animals through the AFCD's partnering AWOs. Upon receiving animals, the AFCD will transfer animals assessed by veterinarians as being in good health and suitable for adoption to partnering AWOs for adoption by members of the public. The AFCD provides free desexing operations for cats, dogs and rabbits adopted through partnering AWOs.

For details of the event, please visit the thematic website of the "Let's Go! The Pet Owners' Journey" Dog Adoption Carnival 2026 (www.petswithlove.com.hk).

Source: AI-found images