Kathmandu — Dr. Shital Kaji Shrestha, former president of the Nepal Veterinary Association, recently represented Nepal at the 2025 General Assembly of the World Veterinary Association (WVA), held on July 18 in Washington, D.C.
He wasn’t just there on behalf of Nepal — Dr. Shrestha also stood in for the SAARC Veterinary Association, joining delegates from 90 countries in one of the biggest global gatherings of veterinary professionals.
In his speech, he talked about the important work Nepal’s veterinarians are doing and urged the international community to step up collaboration, especially with countries like Nepal where the veterinary sector is still developing. He made it clear that teamwork across borders is key — especially in regions like South Asia.
Dr. Shrestha also said that Nepal is more than ready to host future WVA events, reinforcing the country’s long-standing commitment to the global veterinary community.
Speaking in his role as Secretary General of the SAARC Veterinary Association, he shared the group’s plan to become a full member of the WVA soon — something he said is a priority moving forward.
Nepal was one of just five countries invited to speak at the assembly — a moment of pride that gave Nepal a global stage to share its experience and vision.
Outside the main sessions, Dr. Shrestha met with leaders of veterinary associations from Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. The focus: building stronger regional ties and finding ways to support one another’s work.
The WVA also confirmed that its next General Assembly will be held in Tokyo, Japan.
Nepal has been a member of the WVA since 1998.
