Integrating animal health and welfare into the 2030 agenda and beyond
Despite growing support for the need to consider human, animal, and environmental health when making policy decisions, neither animal health nor animal welfare are mentioned explicitly in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that make up the 2030 Agenda.
This new report, produced by Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and CEAP and released on December 8 2025, calls for greater consideration for animals in the 2030 Agenda and other global development frameworks. The SDGs remain incomplete without inclusion of animal health and welfare, overlooking many opportunities for policy synergies.
The report also presents three complementary pathways for integrating animal health and welfare into the 2030 Agenda and beyond: (1) Considering animal health and welfare in current SDG implementation, (2) Introducing new targets and indicators aligned with existing Goals, and (3) Establishing a dedicated Goal on animal health and welfare.
Lead Authors:
- Cleo Verkuijl (Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) US)
- Jeff Sebo (New York University (NYU))
- Adalene Minelli (NYU)
- Katherine Browne (SEI Headquarters)
Contributing Authors:
- Laura Scherer (Leiden University)
- Oscar Rueda (Leiden University)
- Michelle Strauss (Birmingham City University)
- Linda Keeling (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)
- Dorien Braam (Praxis Labs and Centre for Existential Risk, University of Cambridge)
- Carolina Maciel (Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, University of Sussex)
- Pamela Frasch (Lewis & Clark Law School, Center for Animal Law Studies)
- David Docktermann (Harvard Graduate School of Education)
- Iyan Offor (University of Birmingham)
- Samuel Hazle (Birmingham City University)
- Toni Sims (NYU)
- Herber Banda-Cruz (NYU School of Law)
- Alisa E. White (Stanford Law School)
- Marybeth Ubanwa (Tailored Food)
- Farhan Rhidor (Tailored Food)
- Adeline Lemambert (Born Free Foundation)
- Guilia Malerbi (Aquatic Life Institute)
- Jackson T. Zee (Four Paws International)
- Camilla Björkbom (Eurogroup for Animals)
Launch Event
Reinvigorating the Conversation on Animal Welfare and Sustainable Development
December 5 2025, Nairobi
SEI and CEAP launched our report at a special event in Nairobi, hosted by Ambassador Vivian Nain Kuma (Head of Mission at the Cameroon Consulate) and featuring a number of important researchers and policymakers. Cleo Verkuijl (SEI) and Adalene Minelli (CEAP) summarized the main recommendations from our report; Wachira Benson Kariuki (Africa Network for Animal Welfare) discussed interventions for research and policy; Dr. Naphtali Mwanziki (Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Kenya), discussed the role of animal welfare in preventing antimicrobial resistance; and Isaiah Otieno (UNEP) discussed the UNEA mandated report on animal welfare, environment, and sustainable development. (Thanks to SEI and World Federation for Animals for co-hosting this event with us.)
Charity Waeni Mutisya (SEI)
Preview Event
Integrating Animal Health and Welfare into the 2030 Agenda and Beyond
November 25 2025, online
SEI and CEAP also previewed our report at an online event, moderated by Henry Mance (Financial Times) and featuring experts from academia, civil society, and international organizations. Cleo Verkuijl (SEI) and Adalene Minelli (CEAP) summarized the main evidence, arguments, and recommendations from our report; Cristina Romanelli (World Health Organization) discussed the One Health approach and links between animal welfare, biodiversity, and human health; Rebeca García (UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) offered policy perspectives on integrating animal welfare into sustainable development frameworks; and Cynthia Schuck-Paim (Welfare Footprint Institute) discussed methods for measuring and addressing animal welfare impacts. (Thanks to SEI for co-hosting this event with us.)
You can view the preview event here.