Project 1882 took part in the World Federation for Animals’ General Assembly
In 2024, Project 1882 was one of the organisations that founded the international umbrella organisation, the World Federation for Animals. This week, the organisation held its General Assembly, of which Project 1882 is a member. It was discussed how we can work together to achieve our shared global goals. A new board was also elected, and Project 1882’s CEO, Benny Andersson, stepped down from his post to make way for others to take over.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, animal welfare and animal rights organisations from around the world gathered in Vienna. The World Federation for Animals works internationally in contexts where we can make a difference for animals. This involves influencing organisations or attending international events such as UN meetings, climate summits or international conferences. One specific aim of the World Federation for Animals is to have animal welfare included in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which are due to be updated in 2030. If animal welfare is included in the Sustainable Development Goals, states will be urged to act on behalf of animals. This could facilitate the work we otherwise carry out on national or local level.
The theme on which the General Assembly focused was fostering closer cooperation between the world’s animal rights and animal welfare organisations. We need to find more ways to harness the power we can achieve when we work together.
"Putting animal welfare on the international agenda is incredibly important. At present, there is no mention of how animals are affected by human activity. It would have been a significant step forward if animal welfare had been included in the Sustainable Development Goals. It could have had an impact on many levels."
– Sebastian Wiklund, Head of Social Policy, who was present representing Project 1882
A new board was also elected during the General Assembly. The board consists of a few independent seats, as well as six seats allocated by continent. Luciana D’Abramo, who works as programme director at Four Paws, was elected chair. The Project 1882 CEO, Benny Andersson, has served on the board since 2024 and was thanked by the General Assembly.
"It has been an honour and a privilege to serve on the board of the World Federation for Animals. Project 1882 was one of the founding organisations. I am very proud of our contribution now that I see it growing stronger, achieving success and engaging more organisations. What we are now seeing grow is precisely what we recognised as a need when we started."
– Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882
Project 1882 and the World Federation for Animals are working together in several key areas. In addition to the UN Sustainable Development Goal they are working on the One Health approach: the link between human health, animal health and the environment. We are working on food and agricultural policy: in particular, how animal husbandry can be developed to improve animal welfare whilst contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR): reducing the overuse of antibiotics in animal husbandry and establishing a clearer link between animal welfare and resistance issues.
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