Drive global policy for animals with the weight of a coalition behind you
The decisions that affect billions of animals are made in rooms where animal welfare organisations are rarely present. WFA exists to change that. We ensure welfare is heard and acted on at the highest levels of global governance.
The scale of our collective impact
International policy is made by those who show up.
12+
of key UN policy forums represented across climate, food systems, biodiversity, environment and health
60+
countries engaged with in 2026 alone
15+
joint positions coordinated with member organisations on issues essential for animal welfare
These are not isolated wins. They are the result of members choosing to act as one, and they are the foundation for what comes next.
Landmark FAO resolution on antimicrobial use in agrifood systems welcomed by the World Federation for Animals
WFA welcomes a new FAO resolution tackling antimicrobial resistance in agrifood systems, calling for better animal health, reduced misuse and a One Health…
A historic win: The Pandemic Treaty
I can confidently say that this is one of the greatest wins for global health in recent history. After more than three years of negotiations—marked at times by doubt, distrust and deep global division — …
Our ways of working
WFA’s impact is powered by its members, and you could be one of them. We have dedicated policy streams where member organisations coordinate positions, track emerging opportunities, and engage international forums with a single, unified voice. This is how we work.
Environment
Shaping animal welfare outcomes within the United Nations’ primary environment policy forum.
Primary engagement: United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)
Certification: Accredited Observer to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Climate Change
Positioning animal welfare as a climate solution.
Primary engagement: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Subsidiary Bodies (SB)
Certification: Observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Sustainable Food Systems
Integrating animal protection into global food systems governance and international agricultural policy.
Primary engagement: Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Food & Climate Action Group
Certification: Observer to the FAO Committee on Agriculture + Observer to the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock
Biodiversity
Elevating animal welfare within international biodiversity policy and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Primary engagement: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA)
Sustainable Finance & Development
Embedding animal welfare into the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Agenda and encouraging major global funders to invest in more humane and sustainable development activities.
Primary engagement: United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) & General Assembly, Finance in Common, United Nations Financing for Development, World Bank, Animal Issues Thematic Cluster (AITC)
Certification: Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Global Health & Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Advancing animal welfare within global health policy, including pandemic prevention and antimicrobial resistance frameworks.
Primary engagement: Quadripartite organisations (Food and Agriculture Organisation, United Nations Environment Assembly, World Organisation for Animal Health, World Health Organisation)
Interested in joining WFA’s global community?
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