From September through the end of the year, world leaders will meet in New York. They gather for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80). Governments will consider resolutions that will shape action to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
At the World Federation for Animals (WFA) we are contributing to these debates. We will be monitoring draft resolutions tabled by UN Member States. There are three anticipated resolutions this year that we particularly believe must consider animals and their welfare: sustainable consumption and production, the implementation of the Convention of Biological Diversity, and agriculture, food security, and nutrition.
To learn more about WFA’s recommendations at UNGA 80, we spoke with Austin Wallace, WFA’s International Affairs Officer.
Q1: Why is WFA at the UN General Assembly this year?
The UN General Assembly is an important forum for us. It’s where UN Member States discuss issues that directly impact animals, including food systems, biodiversity and other sustainable development challenges.
In 2022, the UNEA 5/1 “Nexus” resolution marked a turning point for animals. It recognised the simple truth that animal welfare is vital for sustainable development and a healthier future. We are supporting UN Member States and WFA member organisations to build on this progress and to carry that principle forward.
At UNGA 80, we would be encouraged to see Member States adopting UN resolutions that acknowledge the essential role of animal protection and welfare in creating a more sustainable future for all.
Q2: How does animal welfare tie into UNGA 80 resolutions?
Better animal welfare plays an important role in three UNGA 80 resolutions where WFA is focusing. These cover: (1) sustainable consumption and production patterns, (2) the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and (3) agriculture, food security and nutrition.
1) Sustainable consumption and production resolution
If we want sustainable consumption and production patterns to deliver, agrifood supply chains must reward good animal welfare practices. They must also reward credible certifications. These should not be “nice to have” features but part of designing better products across their entire life cycle. That’s straight out of SDG 12 thinking and FAO guidance, and it aligns with UNEA’s recognition of animal welfare in sustainability.
This resolution can also join the dots on plastics. It can call for action across the entire plastic life cycle: prevent, reduce, recover, and manage. This way we cut marine debris and protect wildlife in ways that are humane and effective.
2) Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity
This Convention on Biological Diversity resolution is where health and nature meet. Biodiversity protection is explicitly linked to increased risks of zoonotic spillover. This resolution should provide an opportunity to encourage countries to make use of the Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health, which was adopted at COP16 last year.
This resolution is also the place to say plainly how thriving ecosystems, and the animals in it, support climate adaptation, mitigation, and disaster-risk reduction.
When it comes to invasive alien species, prevention and control should be practical and humane. This reflects decisions from COP16 that bring animal welfare expertise into management plans.
3) Agriculture development, food security and nutrition
Past resolutions on agriculture have included One Health and UNEA Resolution 5/1 references, including recognition of working animals. We hope this continues to feature in this year’s text.
When mentioning climate-smart farming and sustainable livestock management, it is critical to emphasise the need for cooperation on good animal welfare practices. This approach aligns with FAO’s Sustainable Livestock Transformation guidelines, which are currently under development.
To keep momentum from the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), the resolution should reaffirm continuation of the process with One Health, equity, and sustainability embedded within it.
Lastly, since the 2024 Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance we have seen significant progress in this area. This year’s agriculture development, food security and nutrition resolution should align with the 2024 UNGA Political Declaration and the Quadripartite’s establishment of the IPEA, as well as with the planned 2026 review of the Global Action Plan and a recent FAO Conference resolution which noted the role of animal welfare.
These commitments should be paired with practical steps: promoting high-welfare husbandry, phasing out routine prophylaxis, and ending growth-promotion uses of medically necessary antimicrobials. Investment in vaccination and alternatives is also needed, together with regular FAO reporting.
Across these resolutions, the message is clear: better animal welfare helps us deliver sustainable development.
Q3: What difference would it make if Member States take up these recommendations?
If governments act on these recommendations, the 2030 Agenda moves from promise to real practice. This will drive sustainable development.
The benefits are tangible. Better welfare on farms and in fisheries reduces outbreaks. It cuts unnecessary antimicrobials, slowing AMR and improving efficiency. One Health approaches in pandemic prevention protects people, animals, and nature. Aligning with FAO’s Sustainable Livestock Transformation creates cleaner environments and healthier animals. This builds more resilient and safer food systems.
In the end, humane animal welfare systems are stronger systems.
Q4: How does WFA work with governments and organisations to make change at the UN level?
Through our extensive global member network, we bring diverse experts together. These include vets, public-health and legal experts, farmers, and wildlife practitioners. They come from every region and political context to advance animal welfare.
We compare what works on the ground and turn that know-how into evidence-based recommendations. Delegates from UN Member States can then lift these straight into UNGA resolutions. Our proposals are anchored in agreed international decisions and recommendations from authoritative global institutions, including the FAO, UNEA, and the CBD (including COP16).
Collaboration happens year-round, but we also create specific moments to bring our network together for focused action. Come October, we’ll host targeted roundtables that connect members with regional and country representatives to advance animal welfare commitments at the UNGA.
A final thought
The opportunity to leverage animal welfare for sustainable development is clear. UNGA 80 offers the chance to UN Member States to take this up and help generations to come.
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