Official Global Statement on World Camel Day (22 June) 2026
Camel4Life International Forum is a non-profit and non-political global platform that brings together camel stakeholders from across regions, including pastoralists, researchers, students, industry leaders, and development partners. The forum advocates for the recognition of camels as a climate‑smart livestock species with significant potential to enhance food security in challenging climatic conditions. Through knowledge exchange, coordinated research, responsible policy engagement, and sustainable value chain development, Camel4Life works to strengthen awareness of the camel’s role in nutrition, livelihoods, and ecosystem resilience worldwide.
Theme of World Camel Day 2026 “Camels for Humanity: Food Security, Ethical Systems and Climate Resilience.”
On this occasion, the members of Camel4Life International Forum present the following key perspectives:
1. Camels and Food Security
Camels are uniquely adapted to arid and climate-stressed environments. They must be recognized as climate-resilient livestock and integrated into food security strategies, particularly in regions facing increasing environmental challenges.
2. Support for Pastoralists (Custodians of the Camel Genetic Resources CGnR)
Camel herders and pastoralist communities are custodians of camel genetic resources and traditional knowledge. They require secure grazing rights, better access to markets, inclusion in policymaking, and recognition as providers of ecosystem services. Their production systems are environmentally sustainable and contribute to biodiversity and land restoration.
3. Ethical Camel Milk Production
Camel dairying should be based on ethical and welfare-oriented practices. Camels must be kept in conditions that reflect their natural habitat, and calves should not be separated prematurely. Milk production must follow a balanced system that benefits both camels and humans, avoiding intensive and exploitative farming approaches.
4. Camel Milk within the One Health Approach
Camel milk should be recognized as an important component of the One Health approach. Historically valued for its nutritional and therapeutic qualities, the camel also contributes to ecosystem balance, making it a key species linking human health, animal health, and environmental sustainability.
5. Preserving the Natural Integrity of Camel Milk
Camel milk is a natural product whose composition varies according to biological and environmental conditions. While strict safety standards must be ensured, such as the absence of pathogens, residues, and compliance with microbial quality parameters, its natural composition should not be artificially standardized.
6. Research and Development Priorities
Camel4Life calls upon universities, research institutions, and funding agencies to strengthen research on camels, particularly in relation to food systems, climate adaptation, and human and environmental health.
7. Policy Gaps and Awareness
In some regions, particularly in parts of Europe, policy uncertainty and limited understanding of camels have created challenges for farmers and stakeholders. There is a need for increased awareness and science-based policymaking that recognizes the camel as a valuable and sustainable livestock species.
8. Sustainable Management of Feral Camel Populations
Camel4Life expresses concern regarding large-scale culling practices in Australia. There is a need to explore humane and sustainable alternatives that align with food security and animal welfare objectives.
9. Recognition of World Camel Day
Camel4Life calls for the official recognition of 22 June as World Camel Day within the United Nations system, to raise global awareness and promote collaborative action.
Prepared by Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar, Founder of World Camel Day and Organizer of Camel4Life International. This draft has been circulated among members for feedback and collective input.
