They came from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands to participate in the first Global Outreach Round Table hosted by WSPA's US office in Boston, MA on May 7 - 9. 

Leaders of animal welfare organizations of all sizes - ranging from Pet Assistance Welfare Services in Saipan, an island near Guam, to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in New York City - were eager to learn about cultural differences and common challenges. Through presentations, small group discussions and networking, participants explored ways to create effective collaborations and partnerships.

In addition to presentations on the challenges facing member societies in specific countries and regions, the conference focused on how cultural and social factors relate to the treatment of animals, strategies for communication and cooperation between member societies, and tips for making long distance partnerships successful. 

 “I really believe such meetings serve an important function in creating awareness of the varying degrees of animal welfare around the globe,” Ahmed Kaiksow, a founding member and Chairman of the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said. “We face many challenges, but hopefully we'll find cooperative ways through WSPA to ameliorate the plight of animals in those regions that need it most. Animals should not be held hostage to the vagaries of different cultures, traditions or religions as was amply illustrated in some of the presentations given.”

Philip Wilson, US Member Society Manager, who organized the Global Round Table with Member Society Liaison Abby Garner, is optimistic that the meeting will foster mutually beneficial partnerships between US and overseas member societies:  “Some US organizations were already offering assistance and ideas to overseas member societies during the meeting.”

US-based member societies welcomed input about animal welfare groups in the developing world.  Stephen Chacha, WSPA Member Society Manager for Africa, shared contact information for member societies in Kenya with Anne Ostberg, Senior Program Officer for The Pegasus Foundation, who is planning a trip to that country early next year.

“The round table really fostered communication and allowed time for ideas to mature over the course of the two and a half day meeting,” said Simone de Lima, Founder and Board member of ProAnima in Brazil. “Cultural differences have to be dealt with and understood, but culture is the aspect of humanity that is dynamic and can change.  I think there are great chances of useful partnerships being established.”

Learn more about WSPA's member society network >>