The Power of Partnership: IGDF 2025 Conference Highlights

The International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) 2025 Conference, themed "The Power of Partnership," was held from June 19th to 22nd, 2025, at the University of Warwick Conference Centre in the United Kingdom. This prestigious event brought together approximately 350 participants from 30 countries and regions, offering a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in the guide dog sector. The conference featured a diverse programme, including lectures, presentations, workshops, meetings, and tours, all aimed at advancing the global guide dog movement.

This year, the Japan Guide Dog Association (JGDA) was proud to send ten staff members and board directors to participate in the conference. Representing our organisation, Maiko Aoki from the Sendai Training Department delivered a compelling presentation titled "Beyond the Harness – Navigating Retirement for Senior Guide Dog Users." Her session explored the challenges and opportunities faced by senior guide dog users as they transition into retirement, offering valuable insights into how organisations can better support this demographic.

Additionally, Yuka Okuzawa from the Public Relations and Communications Department presented a poster titled "Paws and Perception – Shaking up Guide Dog Awareness in Japan!" Her poster highlighted innovative strategies to raise public awareness about guide dogs in Japan, showcasing the creative efforts of JGDA to foster greater understanding and acceptance of guide dogs in society.

Beyond the main conference, four additional JGDA staff members attended the Practical (Guide Dog Trainer’s) Workshop and the IWDA (International Working Dog Association) Breeder’s Workshop. These specialised workshops provided hands-on learning opportunities and in-depth discussions on training techniques and breeding practices, further enhancing the expertise of our team.

One of the most significant outcomes of this visit was the participation of JGDA President Masahito Kanetaka. His exposure to the current state of guide dog training and operations, including the cultural contexts of overseas guide dog organisations, was invaluable. Having both the President and Vice President witness and gain insights firsthand will undoubtedly contribute to shaping the future direction of our organisation. Their involvement underscores the importance of leadership engagement in understanding global trends and challenges in the guide dog sector.

For our staff, the IGDF Conference served as an excellent opportunity to reflect on our own operations from an objective perspective. It allowed us to reaffirm the strengths of our association, such as our attentive and detailed support for clients, while also identifying areas for improvement. These include addressing the varying levels of staff understanding regarding animal welfare and enhancing workplace conditions to support our employees better. This experience has inspired our team to think critically about how to adapt our training, work, and operations to align with the evolving needs of society and the guide dog community.

The conference also highlighted the importance of international collaboration and the exchange of ideas. By engaging with professionals from around the world, our staff gained valuable insights into innovative practices and strategies that can be applied to our programmes in Japan. The connections made during the conference will undoubtedly strengthen our partnerships and contribute to the growth and development of our organisation.

Looking ahead, we are committed to encouraging continued participation in such events. The IGDF Conference and related workshops provide a valuable platform for growth, innovation, and collaboration, enabling us to stay at the forefront of the guide dog movement. We believe that by fostering a culture of learning and engagement, we can continue to improve our services and make a meaningful impact on the lives of guide dog users.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the IGDF for organising this exceptional event and to all the participants who shared their knowledge and experiences. Together, we can harness the power of partnership to create a brighter future for the guide dog community.