The WUACD International Conference on ‘One Health’ continues into its second day on February 6, 2025, starting with an inauguration that includes a welcome address by Dr. C.A. Kalpana, Professor and Head of the Department of Food Science & Nutrition at the Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, followed by a keynote address from Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih on “Circular Ecosystem to Support Global Environmental Health.” By delivering this keynote address, Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, the chairperson of WUACD Universitas Airlangga, has expressed her commitment to supporting the agenda.

The session then continued to parallel sessions that focused on four tracks: Public health being the first one, was delivered with expertise by Prof. Aziz Rahman, Prof. Trias Mahmudiono, and Prof. Ira Nurmala, who delivered various topics from public health funding, dietary diversity, and community practice for one health. This session highlighted the importance of public health research, dietary diversity and gut microbiome, and an ideal community practice for One Health.

The second track, talking about Food Safety and Security, was led by Dr. Subbarao M Gavaravarapu, Dr. Israel Oliver King E.D., and Prof. Dr. Annis Catur Adi and several discussions on topics such as food and nutrition security, the development and policy for forgotten foods, and food production. The focus of this session is the imperativeness of essential policies to promote food and nutrition security, the science and development policy for mainstreaming ‘forgotten’ local foods, and addressing the challenges faced by communities affected by natural disasters through a scientifically proven and innovative emergency food called the “Bidara” biscuit. This session, as a part of the conference, provides knowledge to the audience regarding the potential of the Bidara biscuit. If explored further, this innovation could benefit the participants by providing information that may be beneficial to help reduce hunger.

The third track is animal health, with contributions from Dr. Miyayu, Dr. T. Bhuvaneswari, Dr. M. Ramanathan, and Dr. C. Kathirvelan. The discussion delivered a range of topics, from using laserpuncture to improve the quality of goats’ lives, Advanced Aquatic Animal Health Management to cope with climate change, Silico and Rat model study, and Health benefits from the Production of Designer Foods for animal health. One of this session’s most important highlights is treating mouth and foot disease in livestock through laser acupuncture treatment. This presentation can provide information for communities that mainly rely on livestock so they will not be affected by the disease, protect their food source, and protect the environment better.

Lastly, the fourth track is Sustainable Ecosystem and Biodiversity, with insights from Prof. Chithirai Pon Selvan, Dr. A. Hannah Rachel Vasanthi, and Dr. Mahendiran Mylswamy. The session focuses on the Role of Soil Health in Supporting Life on Land, Marine Flora for Sustainability and Economy, and Bird Migration Patterns and their connections with Climate Change. This session could give a broader perspective and deeper understanding of climate issues, especially for those unaware of the effects.

The day was closed off with a visit to the Local Village for Community Engagement, which could benefit the participants in gaining knowledge of Avinashilingam University’s commitment to supporting community health and sustainable development by conducting the one health conference focusing on environmental and public health, climate change, and sustainable development. Through the set of agendas, this conference supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

This conference offers an excellent opportunity to share ideas, highlight best practices, and foster strategic partnerships that will lead to a future that puts importance on the well-being of every sector. All the speakers, participants, and attendees are encouraged to engage actively, sharing knowledge and fostering meaningful collaboration. The WUACD International Conference on ‘ONE HEALTH’ 2025 catalyzes transformative ideas, policies, research, and initiatives for a sustainable future, which also serves as a means to provide a means for the transfer and exchange of knowledge among WUACD members.