Five ways working animals are key to United Nations’ Pact for the Future
Written by Brooke's Anna Marry, Global External Affairs Advisor, whose work with the UN is raising the visibility of working animals in global sustainable development.
On 22 September 2022, world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future – an outcome document from the United Nations Summit of the Future.
The Pact outlines a path to accelerate progress towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, which working horses, donkeys and mules play an essential role in achieving.
But governments need to roll up their sleeves and turn words into actions. Animals, while not mentioned in the Pact, are key enablers and drivers of what it sets out to achieve.
The health of humans, animals and the planet are interconnected. This is why the Pact must go further in recognising this One Health approach, which in turn will help give working animals a life worth living.
1. Leave no one behind: The poorest people rely on working animals for their livelihoods, nutrition, transport, water provision and more. Working horses, donkeys and mules help people lift themselves out of poverty – but they can only do so if in good health and welfare.
2. Food security and zero hunger: Good animal welfare is an integral part of sustainable agriculture and food systems, protecting food security and food safety. Working animals are invisible enablers of food security and zero hunger through their role in transport, soil tillage or providing manure.
3. Protect the environment and adapt to climate change: Working animals build resilience of vulnerable communities towards climate disasters, aiding rescue and recovery efforts. When disaster strikes, they help evacuate people out of affected zones, transport medical supplies, and rebuild damaged infrastructure and livelihoods.
Protect people from emerging challenges and shocks: Investment in animal health systems helps prevent the spillover of zoonotic disease to humans, prevent future pandemics such as Covid-19, and curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
5. Develop measures of prosperity beyond GDP: Positive relationships with animals contribute to mutual wellbeing and good physical and mental health. These interactions can relieve stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, facilitate post-surgical recovery and lead to a greater sense of happiness, for animals and people alike.
When animal welfare is prioritised, communities thrive and hardworking horses, donkeys and mules are protected for generations to come. They deserve to be treated with respect.
Translating the commitments of the Pact into actions is no easy task. Brooke will continue engaging with UN member states, to advocate for the recognition and protection of working animals.
Watch a recording of a Summit of the Future virtual side event, where Brooke’s Anna Marry talks about the links between animal welfare and sustainable development.
Watch Brooke’s animated video about the contribution of working animals to sustainable development.
Read Brooke’s policy brief: "Invisible Livestock”.