Thank you very much for joining us for the “One Health” International Forum 2022 in Fukuoka + FAVA.

This forum has been held since 2020 in Fukuoka, the prefecture that published the Fukuoka Memorandum, in order to find solutions to COVID-19 and other zoonotic infections through One Health approach by the world's top-class researchers of various fields, and disseminates those research results worldwide.

This year's forum is held concurrently with the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) Congress, which is the largest international conference on veterinary medicine in the Asian region. We would like to cordially thank Dr. Kurauchi, president of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association, and other concerned individuals for their efforts in holding their conference concurrently with this forum.

Many emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19, SARS, and MERS are zoonotic infections; and in preparation for the next emerging infectious disease, it is important for us to think of the health of humans, animals, and the environment as an interconnected whole, and practice the One Health philosophy in an integrated manner.

Fukuoka put into effect the Fukuoka Prefecture One Health Promotion Basic Ordinance, the first of its kind in Japan, in January 2021, and followed this in October 2022 with the enactment of the Ordinance Related to Promotion and Practice of One Health in Fukuoka, including the Creation of Better Relationships with the Environment, Humans, and Animals.

Based on these ordinances, Fukuoka is currently implementing the measures and projects set forth in the Fukuoka One Health Action Plan.

As one endeavor, we are moving forward with the creation of the One Health Center as a base to respond to One Health issues, including responses to emerging infectious diseases and global warming. The center houses the Institute of Health and Environmental Sciences, which will have the function of conducting surveys and research for human health and environmental conservation, and the Animal Health Center (tentative name), which will centrally deal with the health and hygiene of livestock, pets, wild animals, and zoo animals. These two facilities will aim for mutual collaboration.

Furthermore, One Health Forest has been created and opened to visitors from inside and outside of the prefecture who would like to experience One Health through forest bathing and other activities. Fukuoka is also moving forward with other endeavors, such as a certification system for agriculture, forestry, and fishery products produced in accordance with the One Health philosophy, and a registration system for business operators proclaiming the promotion of One Health.

We intend to move forward with these progressive initiatives and introduce them at this annual forum to highlight Fukuoka domestically and overseas as a globally advanced region for One Health. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

In conclusion, it is our hope that this forum will help many people further deepen their understanding of One Health, and that actions and activities conforming to the One Health philosophy will spread. We wish for everyone's continued success and prosperity.