Two governments, on different continents, have made the same significant decision: to recognize the global importance of animals and their well-being by lending support to a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

Sweden and New Zealand join Fiji, Cambodia, and the Seychelles in giving full and official backing to a proposed set of principles which, if endorsed by the UN, will result in international recognition that animal welfare matters.

Eskil Erlandsson, Sweden's Minister of Agriculture, said: “It is very important that animal welfare is discussed globally and a UN declaration would surely have an impact worldwide.”

Learn more about what a declaration can achieve for animals, and how you can lend your support >>

Forward thinking nations

In backing the principle that animals matter - for themselves, for the environment, for food security, and for human livelihoods and health - Sweden and New Zealand have shown that they are dedicated to stopping animal cruelty and protecting the world's future.

Bridget Vercoe, WSPA New Zealand Program Manager, said: “We commend Minister Jim Anderton and the New Zealand Government for this commitment to animal welfare, and for the leadership they have shown by endorsing the notion of the Declaration at cabinet level.”

Taking animal welfare worldwide

WSPA hopes that the example set by Sweden, New Zealand, and others will inspire those governments who have already acknowledged the importance of a Declaration protecting animals - including the UK, Australia, Colombia, Bahrain, Croatia, Malaysia, and Bolivia - to give their full, official support.

Wide governmental support will help convince the UN to endorse the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare and highlight the importance of animals to the international community.

The public campaign is also hugely influential. Over 1.5 million people, representing all 192 UN member states, have signed their support. Will you add your name?