On 22nd and 23rd October 2025, the WFA Board convened at the FOUR PAWS Headquarters in Vienna, Austria, for its annual in-person meeting.
During the meeting, WFA Board members reviewed the progress made in implementing the Federation’s strategy, recognising the multiple successes achieved in times of geopolitical uncertainty. A major focus of the meeting was the strategic direction of the animal protection movement and the Federation’s future trajectory it needs to achieve its ambitious goals.
The Board reaffirmed its strategic ambition and that WFA’s membership-driven model is essential to its advocacy success. Board members also reaffirmed their commitment as member organisations to strategic alignment and to devote resources to the collective impact.
Reflecting on the meeting and the Federation’s trajectory, Josef Pfabigan, President of the WFA Board and CEO of FOUR PAWS, states:
“Hosting the WFA Board at FOUR PAWS headquarters in Vienna was a privilege and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. I’m energised by the collective commitment in this room and the growing recognition that our strength lies in unity. The challenges animals face are global and so must be our response.”
Josef Pfabigan, President of the WFA Board and CEO of FOUR PAWS
WFA Board photo
Download it herePhoto caption: On the photo, from left to right: Roly Owers, Treasurer of the Board and CEO of World Horse Welfare; Glenys Oogjes, CEO of Animals Australia; David Bowles, Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs at RSPCA; Britta Riis, CEO of Dyrenes Beskyttelse (Animal Protection Denmark); Reineke Hameleers, Vice President of the Board and CEO of Eurogroup for Animals; Josef Pfabigan, President of the Board and CEO of FOUR PAWS; Wim de Kok, Secretary of the Board and President of the National Council for Animal Protection; Linda Edwards, Chief Executive of SPANA; Josphat Ngonyo, Executive Director of the Africa Network for Animal Welfare; Sirjana Nijjar, Asia for Animals Coalition; and James Yeates, CEO of World Federation for Animals.
