To realize the vision of a holistic approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and the environment, World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) held an International Conference 2025 on ‘One Health’ “Equitable and Holistic Approach for Sustainable Balance and Optimization of Health & Ecosystem” from February 5th until February 7th 2025 hosted by Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. This program aims to create a resilient and sustainable food system and environment through fostering knowledge exchange and integrating science technology, humanities, and community development. Through participation, attendees obtained insight into new approaches that encourage a balanced ecosystem, addressing interconnected health issues in humans, animals, and the environment.

Starting on the 5th of February, the highlight of the day was two workshops led by experts from various universities and institutions. There were multiple sessions that included scientific and practical sessions, continued by practical exercises. In the first workshop, the theme was “Assessment of Habitats using Google Earth Engine”. It was led by Dr. Mahendiran Myswamy, a senior scientist from Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology Coimbatore, and Mr. R. Sakthivel, a senior geographic information system from Inner City Fund. Starting from the basics, the panelists gave an overview of Geospatial technology, GIS fundamentals, and its applications in environmental studies. Dr. Mahendiran and Mr. R Sakthivel also introduced the Google Earth Engine and how to use it. After learning the scientific aspect, the attendees got to experience practical exercises, where they worked on selected areas in GEE with professional guidance.

At a different venue, Workshop II featuring Dr. C.A. Kalpana and Dr. K. Devi from Avinashilingham Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women shared their insights about the Sensory Evaluation of Foods. The workshop began with an introduction to Sensory Evaluation as the scientific session, followed by a practical demonstration of Food Sensory Analysis. After getting the gist of it from the earlier sessions, participants were granted the chance to do the Sensory Evaluation of Foods and Statistical Interpretation.

Both workshops aim to improve knowledge and awareness regarding how technology can affect Food Safety and Security, and Sustainable Ecosystem and Biodiversity. These pre-conference workshops were led and attended by some of the WUACD’s members, showing their support for Avinashilingham Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women sharing their insights about Sensory Evaluation of Foods as fellow members of the WUACD. The lecture and discussion show that to achieve One Health, it’s essential to implement SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals) by revitalizing and strengthening global partnerships.