Asia for Animals at the 80th UN General Assembly: Highlighting Asia-Pacific Perspectives on Animal Welfare and Sustainable Development

From 6–10 October 2025, during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), Ngoc Anh Nguyen, Lead Coordinator of the Asia for Animals (AfA) Policy Coalition, participated in the Animal Welfare Engagement Week in New York, organized by the World Federation for Animals (WFA). The series of engagements brought together experts, partners, and government representatives to exchange regional perspectives on integrating animal welfare into international policy discussions.

The discussions explored how animal welfare contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - particularly in advancing environmental integrity, public health, food systems, and biodiversity. The exchanges focused on how stronger welfare standards can help deliver co-benefits for people, animals, and the planet.

Throughout the week, participants from different regions shared how evidence-based approaches to welfare support sustainable development outcomes. The Asia-Pacific perspective drew attention to the region’s diversity and its vital role in shaping global progress on sustainability.

Representing the Asia-Pacific region, Ngoc Anh Nguyen highlighted:

“Integrating animal welfare is a proven, cost-effective accelerator of multiple SDGs - linking environmental integrity, public health, and human dignity.”

Her remarks underscored how Asia’s leadership and cross-sector collaboration can create tangible benefits for both people and ecosystems, aligning with the week’s theme of global cooperation for sustainable development.

The event demonstrated growing recognition that protecting animals, people, and the planet are interconnected goals. Exchanges during the week reinforced that collaboration and knowledge-sharing among countries are essential to building more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies.

The Asia for Animals Policy Coalition remains committed to amplifying regional expertise and supporting constructive dialogue that bridges animal welfare and sustainable development. The Asia for Animals Coalition will continue to contribute regional insights to global discussions, promoting cooperation, science-based approaches, and shared responsibility for a more sustainable future.