Arjan van Houwelingen

Arjan is the Chief Advisor on strategic policy & public affairs for WFA. In this role, Arjan helps shape WFA’s long-term advocacy to establish the relevance of animals and their welfare for sustainable development and environmental protection at the United Nations and in all relevant global policy processes. He was instrumental in achieving UNEA Resolution 5/1 on animal welfare, environment, and sustainable development in 2022.

Prior to 2012, Arjan had a long career with the United Nations including four years with UNDP, where he supported the creation of the United Nations Development Group and played a lead role in the conceptualization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Arjan also spent many years with the UN Department for Political Affairs, including 8 years with the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process where he led the negotiations with the Israeli authorities on security and headed up the socio-economic affairs and the research departments.