From Milestones to New Horizons: AfA’s 25th Anniversary Reflections

Twenty-five years ago, AfA began with a simple but powerful idea: that by strengthening collaboration across the animal protection movement, we could create real and lasting change for animals across Asia. This 25th anniversary year has reminded us just how transformative that shared purpose can be. 

Throughout 2025, we witnessed the power of dedicated organizations, advocates, and network members who make up our global network. Together, we advanced efforts to improve animal welfare, challenged systems of exploitation, and continued building a movement grounded in compassion and unity. 

Our 25th year has been filled with meaningful progress and achievements that are a testament to the strength of collective action.

As we look forward to 2026, we brim with renewed ambition, new focus areas and big plans - all rooted in a dedication to driving positive change for animals along with our network of 420+ member organizations throughout Asia.

The Pulse of 2025: A Movement Growing in Strength and Solidarity

This year, the AfA Network did not simply expand; it became more connected, more diverse and more aligned. Over 60 new organizations joined the ever growing AfA family this year alone, each bringing to the network their unique passion and regional expertise. By the end of 2025, 152 organizations were engaged within our eight Working Groups, working collaboratively to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing animals across Asia.

From farmed animals to wildlife, from animal online cruelty content to disaster resilience, from companion animals to sanctuaries, our region-wide collaboration has become deeper and more coordinated than ever.

AfA Conference Taipei 2025: Reflection and Breaking Boundaries

This year, the 14th Asia for Animals Conference, co-hosted by Environment & Animal Society of Taiwan, Taiwan SPCA and Taiwan Human-Animal Studies Institute, was held in Taipei. The AfA Conference was all the more special as it coincided with AfA’s 25th anniversary.

With more than 600 participants from 30+ countries, the AfA Conference brought together animal advocates from around the globe in a shared space to reflect on past achievements and explore bold, future-ready strategies under the theme Reflection and Breaking Boundaries: Rethinking Approaches for Animal Protection.

Reflection and Breaking Boundaries: Rethinking Approaches for Animal Protection

A historic moment marked the opening ceremony: the President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, delivered an address emphasizing national leadership in animal welfare and the importance of international cooperation. His presence underscored the growing recognition of the animal protection movement’s significance.

The Conference was bold and open about what’s working, what’s not, and how we can reimagine the future of animal protection in Asia. Workshops, cultural exchanges, cross-regional collaborations, all filled the air with energy and possibility at AfA Conference Taipei 2025.

2025 Working Group Highlights: Achievements Across the Network

Across AfA’s Working Groups, 2025 brought meaningful progress driven by passion and drive of the AfA team and the expertise, shared learning and active collaboration between AfA Network organizations.

Highlights from Across AfA Working Groups

• AfA welcomed more than 20 new member organizations across various Working Groups, strengthening representation, expanding regional expertise as well as international collaboration.

• Via our Working Groups, AfA released several impactful resources, including the Shelter Fatigue podcast episode, and new capacity-building guides & templates.

• We facilitated global knowledge exchange through podcasts, workshops, education initiatives and collaborations that reached hundreds of students, professionals and advocates.

• The Dog and Cat Coalition (DACC) coordinated cross-border programs and raised awareness through World Rabies Day, as well as coordinated advocacy efforts on Türkiye’s free-roaming dog policy.

• The Macaque Coalition (MACC) coordinated International Macaque Week 2025 (1-7 May) with more than 25 participating organizations and individual supporters from the public, academia, and government, with both  online and offline activity under the theme #RespectTheirNature.

• The AfA Policy Coalition (APC) co-drafted the IUCN 2025’s 074 motion on “Enhancing sustainable tourism practices through the incorporation of welfare standards for wild animals in captivity and in the wild”, which was adopted to IUCN resolution. 

• The Sanctuaries and Rescue Centers Coalition (SARCC) strengthened and supported wildlife advocates across Asia by delivering over 50 peer-to-peer connections, building a growing SARCC network in Indonesia and shaping frameworks for ethical wildlife tourism.

• APC also published the 4th edition Practical Guide for Animal Advocacy Organization on the United Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

• We delivered influential conferences, summits and regional events, including the SMACC Global Summit 2025, the Farm Animal Coalition (FAC) Regional Event in Indonesia and primate welfare sessions reaching global scientific audiences.

• We also launched the new Disaster Resilience Coalition (DRC) with 13 founding members, hosted member consultations and initiated strategy development to support organizations facing disaster-related challenges.

• The Capacity in Animal Protection Coalition (CAPC) provided one-to-one mentorship, capacity support and organizational strengthening for more than 20 animal protection organizations across the region.

And much, much more! 

Looking Beyond the Horizon: Our Vision for 2026

We enter 2026 with clarity, strengthened foundations and the momentum of a movement growing in depth and reach. Our vision for the year ahead centres on expanding and building the tools, partnerships and support systems that empower animal protection organizations across Asia. With a stronger core team and newly reinforced Working Groups, we are ready to deepen collaboration and elevate collective impact.

Our priorities for 2026 include:

• Increasing awareness of and accessibility of high-impact resources that support advocates and advance animal welfare across the region.

• Strengthening member support and appeals, ensuring organizations have timely guidance, shared knowledge and coordinated advocacy.

• Expanding partnerships and collaborations with groups across Asia and the wider global movement.

• Nurturing the specialized work of all AfA Working Groups as they address key issues affecting animals.

  
  

And as we look ahead, several exciting initiatives are already in motion:

• The Global South Animals Alliance (GSAA), announced during our 25th anniversary year at the AfA Conference in Taipei, will take root in 2026. This bold new initiative will strengthen collaboration between networks in the Global South  and elevate the voice of the animal protection movement across that region.

• AfA CONNECT 2026 will feature as a networking and support centered event, creating a vibrant space for partnership-building between AfA Conferences.

• Planning for the 2027 AfA Conference will begin towards our next gathering that sparks new ideas, strengthens regional leadership and drives the next wave of innovation in animal protection.

• The Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition will lead the SMACC Report It Week 2026, mobilizing social media users worldwide to take a stand against online animal cruelty.

• For the first time ever, the SMACC Global Summit will be held in-person in  Bali in June 2026.

• Planning is underway for International Macaque Week 2026, amplifying awareness and advocacy for macaque welfare.

• The Dog and Cat Coalition will deliver its Shelter Connection workshops and co-lead World Rabies Day activities.

• The Sanctuaries and Rescue Centers Coalition will roll out specialized training in partnership with Wild Welfare, with Indonesia set to host the inaugural program.

• We will also take part in key regional and global observances, including Ban Live Exports Day. 

• The Farm Animal Coalition will host a Regional Event in Nepal to strengthen regional collaboration and networks around farm animal welfare, as well as celebrate Asia Farm Animal Day.

With renewed energy, a landmark new alliance in the Global South and your support, 2026 will be a year shaped by intention, partnership and the collective power of our community.

Together, we make a stronger Asia for Animals

This year reminded us of something important: when people who care decide to work together, the world shifts. Not all at once. But visibly. Consistently. Powerfully. And so, we take a moment to appreciate your consistent support in our journey. Every connection made, every idea uplifted and every barrier questioned is the heartbeat behind AfA.

As we step into 2026, we’re not hoping for impact. We’re building it - with everyone who chooses to stand with us.

If you’d like to be part of that momentum and offer your support to us in 2026, donate here.

To stay connected and learn more about our work, please subscribe to our newsletter. And if you work with an animal protection organization, we welcome you to join the Asia for Animals network. 

Thank you and see you in 2026!