A evening of dialogue at the World Health Summit drew a stark map of risk: the world remains exposed to another pandemic of Covid-19 scale, and without coordinated action the next outbreak could outpace its predecessor. FOUR PAWS International, a leading animal protection group, stressed that eliminating such a health crisis hinges on cross-border collaboration and a science-based approach. The emphasis is on stronger protections for animals and ecosystems as critical, integrated components of the public health strategy.
At the Berlin gathering, Axel Pries, the organization’s president, cautioned that current preparedness levels fall short and warned that a new epidemic could pose a threat even greater than the Covid-19 crisis. The conversations highlighted the need for policies that are robust and grounded in science, linking health outcomes with animal welfare and environmental stewardship to lower the chance of pathogens spilling over from animals to people.
Participants reviewed the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response Agreement, a framework under negotiation among World Health Organization member states. Its aim is to set out clear, enforceable steps for preventing and responding to health emergencies. Within the dialogue, the head of WHO’s legal team suggested that the agreement could be finalized within the target timeframe under discussion, reflecting a shared sense of urgency among nations.
The consensus emerging from the meetings was unmistakable: stopping the next epidemic demands a new level of global cooperation. Concrete steps include implementing science-based interventions, tightening standards for animal welfare, and preserving natural environments as essential parts of disease prevention. The discussions signaled a broader shift in how societies organize health security, moving toward a unified response framework that weaves veterinary science, ecology, and public health into one cohesive strategy.
“A paradigm shift in how animals are treated must lie at the center of the new global approach to public health,” stated Nina Jamal, chair of the FOUR PAWS Pandemic Initiative. Her remarks highlighted the principle that healthier animal populations, stronger habitat protection, and careful human-animal interfaces are foundational to reducing spillover risks and protecting human communities worldwide.
Historical and cultural knowledge also reminds policymakers to value diverse approaches to animal care. For example, long-standing practices from Indigenous communities show how animals have been woven into family and community life in ways that reflect stewardship and mutual respect. These perspectives deepen the understanding of living with wildlife and reducing conflicts while building resilience against emerging diseases.