Conference Theme

The Importance of Animals in a Changing World

Animals, ecosystems and humanity – interconnected futures

Animals sit at the heart of global systems that sustain life, livelihoods, and landscapes. As climate change, population growth, and environmental pressures reshape our world, understanding the interconnected roles of animals, ecosystems, and people has never been more important.

This overarching WCAP2028 theme explores how animal systems contribute to resilient ecosystems, support human wellbeing, and adapt to rapid global change. It sets the foundation for the conference by highlighting the essential role animals play in shaping a sustainable and interconnected future.

Integrating the End User

Uniting science and industry for a sustainable future

Innovation delivers impact only when it is adopted. This theme focuses on bridging the gap between research and real-world application—bringing together scientists, producers, industry, and policymakers to co-design practical solutions.

Sessions will showcase how collaboration, extension, and user-led innovation can accelerate adoption, improve on-ground outcomes, and ensure research translates into measurable benefits across animal production systems.

Social Aspects

Championing diversity, welfare and ethics in animal production

Animal production operates within a complex social landscape shaped by community expectations, ethical considerations, and the need for inclusivity. This theme explores the human dimension of animal systems.

From advancing animal welfare and ethical stewardship to strengthening diversity and maintaining social licence, discussions will consider how the sector can respond to evolving societal values while building trust, responsibility, and long-term sustainability.

Digital Transformation & Omics

Digital technologies and omics driving sustainable animal futures

A new era of animal science is emerging—where data, biology, and technology converge to unlock unprecedented insight and precision. This theme explores how digital innovation and omics technologies are transforming the way we understand and manage animal systems.

From precision livestock management and artificial intelligence to genomics and beyond, sessions will highlight how these tools are enabling smarter decisions, improving performance, and shaping more sustainable, resilient futures for animal production.

Conservation of the Natural World

Balancing productivity, climate and ecological change

The future of animal production depends on achieving balance—between productivity and environmental stewardship, and between economic outcomes and ecological integrity.

This theme examines how animal systems can operate within planetary boundaries, contributing to climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and landscape health. It highlights pathways to align production with sustainability, ensuring animal agriculture plays a positive role in the natural world.

Food & Fibre Security

Science and innovation for global animal production

Meeting the growing global demand for food and fibre is one of the defining challenges of our time. Animal production systems must evolve to become more efficient, resilient, and sustainable—without compromising quality or welfare.

This theme explores the role of science and innovation in strengthening global supply, enhancing productivity, and supporting secure, sustainable animal-based food systems. It brings together cutting-edge research and global perspectives to address the future of food and fibre.

Bringing It All Together

Across all themes, WCAP 2028 highlights a shared vision: advancing animal systems that are productive, sustainable, ethical, and resilient. By connecting science, industry, and society, the conference will explore how we navigate change and shape a better future for animals, people, and the planet.