Today, 15 May 2024, we joined over 60 organisations from all over the world in a unified commitment to elevate animal welfare in the sustainable development agenda.

The ‘Promise’ was launched at the first ever General Assembly meeting of members of the World Federation for Animals (WFA) held in Copenhagen. We’re a founding member of the WFA, which was formed as a coalition in 2020 to advance the animal protection agenda on the international policy map.

A Promise to Animals and our Future

The Promise to Animals & Our Future demonstrates the collective will of animal protection organisations from all over the world – whether they focus on aquatic species, working animals, or those farmed for food – to recognise the need for system change in how they are treated globally. The commitment acknowledges that the health of our planet and of the animals that inhabit it is intrinsically connected and their welfare profoundly impacts global health, biodiversity and sustainability.

The Federation has promised to work with international bodies, governments, corporations, and communities to establish animal welfare as a fundamental aspect of sustainable development.

This promise comes at a critical moment, as the world evaluates progress at the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015. With countries not on track to reach most of the Sustainable Development Goals, this initiative offers a new perspective on achieving a sustainable future that includes animal welfare.

Our Global CEO, Philip Lymbery, who is a member of the Board and attended the General Assembly said:

“Industrial animal agriculture is not only the biggest cause of animal cruelty, it is hugely detrimental to the health of our planet and all who inhabit it.

Deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, pandemic risk and antimicrobial resistance are all consequences of the way we farm animals for food.

"With this Promise, we come together with our animal protection partners from all over the world to commit to ensuring animal welfare is a cornerstone of sustainable development. It is intrinsic to creating a healthier planet, for the sake of our future, and for generations to come.”

Find out more about our promise.