Nancy Beatriz Aquino, a young Paraguayan doctor of veterinary medicine, recently participated in the 3rd UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and gained international attention. She was selected as one of 13 youth representatives from around the world to present the challenges and opportunities facing landlocked countries to global leaders. Dr. Aquino emphasized that "the threat of climate change to national industries requires sustainable solutions, and expanding the participation of women in this field can play a key role in agricultural development."
Borrowing the words of novelist Augusto Roa Bastos, Dr. Aquino described Paraguay as "an island surrounded by land," highlighting its fertile agricultural potential and rich biodiversity while also pointing out its high vulnerability to climate change. She stressed that the active participation of women is essential for sustainable agricultural development.
At the conference, Dr. Aquino also participated in an exhibition space where she shared experiences with representatives from other landlocked countries, including Mongolia, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Bolivia. There, she showcased Paraguay's technological and innovative capabilities in agriculture. "It was an opportunity to show that our country is not just a producer, but is investing in science, technology, and sustainability," she said. In recognition of her efforts, she was honored with the Landlocked Developing Countries Fellowship Award from the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS).
Dr. Aquino recently earned a Master's degree in Animal Behavior and Welfare from the University of Edinburgh in the UK, with a focus on the concept of One Welfare. 'One Welfare' is an integrated approach that connects animal welfare, human well-being, and environmental conservation. Her master's thesis discussed the sustainability of the Paraguayan beef production industry, emphasizing the importance of animal welfare and health for long-term industrial development.
During her studies in the UK, she gained extensive field experience through internships at farms raising poultry, pigs, cattle, and sheep, as well as at slaughterhouses, research institutes, and zoos. These experiences taught her the methodologies of animal welfare assessment and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. Her goal upon returning home is to integrate sustainability into Paraguay's livestock industry and apply the 'One Welfare' concept to the public and private sectors, as well as to university education.
Dr. Aquino revealed that the Carlos Antonio López National Scholarship Program (Becal) was instrumental to her success. She described the program as "a key tool that opens up opportunities for economically disadvantaged young people that would not have been possible otherwise." She encouraged young people to be proactive, saying, "Working with discipline and perseverance is worthwhile and can change your life, both personally and professionally," and offered her support to future generations.
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