Camelids contribute meaningfully to sustainable food systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Their role supports several Sustainable Development Goals, including food security, poverty alleviation, and climate resilience. As demand increases in both traditional and new markets, camel milk is gaining global attention for its different composition and functional qualities. However, this requires specialized processing and infrastructure, which remain limited in many production areas.

Beyond nutrition, camelid dairying strengthens local livelihoods, promotes resilient farming systems, and offers potential for innovation and value addition. With rising interest in climate-smart and specialty dairy products, camel milk is well positioned to meet both community needs and premium market demands.

This event brought together stakeholders across the dairy sector to explore the role of camelid dairying in advancing sustainability, improving processing practices, and fostering inclusive growth.

Session 1: Understanding the impact of camelid dairying in sustainable systems

Chairs:

Ilona Gluecks, Head of Clinical Research Facilities & CRO, ILRI

Batbaatar Bayarmagnai, CEO & Coordinator of Dairy Asia

Lecture Speaker: Dr Bernard Faye, Emeritus scientist, Center for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development, France

The Camel Milk Face to the Market Economy

Lecture Speaker: Dr Pamela Burger, Deputy Head, Senior Researcher, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria

Biodiversity of the World’s Camel Populations: Implications for Environmental Resilience and Food Security

Lecture Speaker: Dr Tahira Mohamed, Regional Partnership and Engagement Lead for the Jameel Observatory for Food Security Early Action at the International Livestock Research Institute and Jameel Observatory

Camels, Gender, and Livelihoods: Unlocking the Potential of Camels for Sustainable Food Systems in the Horn of Africa.

Lecture Speaker: Dr Mariana Quiroga Mendiola, Senior Researcher / Professor, National Institute of Agricultural Technology/National University of Salta, Argentina

The Llama in North-Western Argentina: An Opportunity for Food Security and Sovereignty

Panel Discussion: Sustainable Camel Dairying: Economic viability Across Scales and Regions

Dr Peter Nagy, Head and Director of the Farm & Veterinary Department, Camelicious, United Arab Emirates

Mr Ehtsham Ulhaq, Managing Director at ELC Biotechnology (Private) Limited, Pakistan

Dr Ilse Koehler-Rollefson, Co-founder, Camel Charisma, India

Abstract Session 1:

Abstract Speaker: Birhanu Bekele, PhD Candidate in Haramaya University; Associate Dairy Researcher at Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Yabello Pastoral and Dryland Agriculture Research Center, Ethiopia

Assessment of Camel Milk Production Performance and Constraints Under Climate Change and Variability in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Speaker: Marwa Brahmi, PhD Student, Institut des Régions Arides- Médenine/ Institut Supérieur Agronomique Chott Mériem, Tunisia

Monitoring Behavioral Responses for Sustainable Camel Dairying

Abstract Speaker: *Dr Ghada Ahmed El Derdiri Abdel Wahab (Recipient, Best Oral Presentation Award), Veterinary Microbiology Specialist, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authoriy (ADAFSA), WOAH Collaborating Center for Camel diseases, United Arab Emirates

Overview of Camel Mastitis Pathogens and it is Antibiotic Susceptibility in Emirate of Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

Abstract Speaker: Dr Imen Fguiri, Postdoctoral Researcher, Arid Regions Institute (IRA), Medenine, Tunisia

A New Approach to Camel Milk Yogurt Production Using Camel Gelatin

Session 2: Scaling Up Camelid Dairy Through Innovative Practices, Processing Technologies and Animal health

Chairs:

Sonia Alkafy Baldi, Expert Regulatory and Administrative Affairs, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, United Arab Emirates

Ashish Singh, Joint Director (Academic) and Dean at ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India

Lecture Speaker: Dr Gaukhar Konuspayeva, Full Professor, Antigen LLP Scientific production Enterprise

Camel Milk: A Key Resource for Future Nutrition and Dairy Development

Lecture Speaker: Dr Mutamed Ayyash, Professor and Department Chair, United Arab Emirates University

Camel Milk Blended with Plant-Based Extracts: A Sustainable and Innovative Pathway for Functional Dairy Development

Abstract Session 2:

Abstract Speaker: Dr Roua Lajnaf, Postdoctoral Researcher, National Engineering School of Sfax, Tunisia, and University of Liege, Belgium

Bioactive and Techno-functional Properties of Camel Milk α-Lactalbumin and β-Casein: From Isolation to Application

Abstract Speaker: Dr Samira Arroum, Arid Land Institute, Livestock and Wildlife Laboratory Medenin, Tunisia

Comparative Characterization of Camel and Cow Milk Kefir

Abstract Speaker: Athira M K, Student, SMC College of dairy science, Kamdhenu University, Anand, Gujarat, India

Antidiabetic Effect of Spray Dried Camel Milk Powder Formulations on the Growth Performance, Histopathological and Metagenomic Investigation of High Fat Diet Induced Type-II Diabetic Wistar Rats

Abstract Speaker: Dr Abir Omrani, Arid Regions Institute (IRA), Medenine, Tunisia

Functional Camel Milk Cheese Coagulated with Carob Extract: Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties

Abstract Speaker: Dr Amel Sboui, Associate Professor, Arid Regions Institute (IRA), Medenine, Tunisia

Camel milk: Composition and Usefulness as Adjuvant to Treat Experimental Animals and Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Lecture Speaker: Dr Luis Guerrero, Senior Researcher, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Spain

Cross-Cultural Consumer Knowledge and Perception of Camel Milk

Lecture Speaker: Dr Moez Ayadi, Associate Professor in Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Biotechnology – Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja (ISBB) – University of Jendouba, Tunisia

Optimization of Machine Milking Systems and Breeding in Camelids

Panel Discussion: Safeguarding Camel Health – Biosecurity and Disease Management in Practice

Ms Asma Abdi Mohamed, Director of the Biosecurity Affairs Division at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), United Arab Emirates

Dr Rakesh Ranjan, Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Research Centre of Camel, Bikaner (India)

Dr Moufida Atigui, Assistant Professor, Arid Regions Institute (IRA) Medenine, Tunisia