India Secures Prestigious World Dairy Summit 2027 Hosting Rights in Mumbai
In a significant development for the global dairy sector, India has been selected to host the prestigious World Dairy Summit (WDS) in 2027. The announcement follows a formal agreement signed between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), headquartered in Anand, and the International Dairy Federation (IDF). This landmark decision positions India as a key player in the international dairy community.
Formal Agreement Signed in New Delhi
The agreement was officially signed by NDDB chairman Meenesh Shah and IDF director general Laurence Rycken during a ceremony in New Delhi on Thursday. The signing took place at the 52nd Dairy Industry Conference, organized by the Indian Dairy Association. The event was attended by Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan and Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Panchayati Raj SP Singh Baghel, underscoring the government's strong support for the dairy industry.
Summit Details and Expected Participation
The World Dairy Summit 2027 is scheduled to be held from November 16 to 19 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. It will be hosted by the Indian National Committee of IDF (INC-IDF). The summit's agenda will include critical meetings of the IDF board, the general assembly, and various technical committees focused on advancing dairy science and technology.
Over 1,500 delegates from across the globe are anticipated to participate, representing a diverse range of stakeholders. This includes policymakers, dairy farmers, cooperatives, processors, researchers, financial institutions, start-ups, and technology providers. The event aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the dairy sector.
India's Successful Bid and Historical Context
India secured the hosting rights after members voted in its favor during the 118th General Assembly of the IDF, held in Paris on October 14, 2024. This marks the second time India will host the summit, having previously organized the IDF World Dairy Summit in 2022 in Delhi-NCR, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The repeat hosting demonstrates India's growing influence and commitment to the dairy industry.
About the International Dairy Federation
The IDF World Dairy Summit is the flagship annual event of the International Dairy Federation, an organization established in 1903. The IDF plays a crucial role in uniting the global dairy community, with approximately 40 member nations. The summit serves as a premier platform for discussing trends, challenges, and opportunities in dairy production and sustainability.
This upcoming summit in Mumbai is expected to highlight India's advancements in dairy technology and cooperative models, while also addressing global issues such as food security and climate resilience in the dairy sector.
