We gathered in London yesterday (20th May) with global animal charities to present the first ever Award for Excellence in Animal Welfare and Environmental Protection to the Rt Hon. Lord Goldsmith.

A historic resolution for animals

Lord Goldsmith – a lifelong environmentalist, British politician and peer – was a driving force behind the landmark 2022 United Nations resolution: Animal Welfare, Environment and Sustainable Development Nexus. This resulted in the UN formally recognising the links between animal welfare and key global challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution and pandemics.

Yesterday’s award was given primarily to recognise Lord Goldsmith’s strong leadership which helped make this historic resolution a reality.

The award ceremony, hosted by Lord Gascoigne, was well attended by representatives from civil society – including the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW), the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation and the Animal Welfare Institute, as well as cross-party UK MPs and Peers, Defra ministers and parliamentarians. The award was presented by our Global CEO, Philip Lymbery.

A driving force

Lord Goldsmith has been at the forefront of various campaigns to promote environmental awareness and action within the UK and beyond. Most notably, his unwavering leadership and dedicated support were instrumental in the coordinated efforts of the Member States Friends of the Resolution (MSFOR), along with the Civil Society Organizations Friends of the Resolution – a coalition of NGOs formed to support MSFOR’s mission. Under this collective initiative, all 193 United Nations Member States were successfully engaged and backed the resolution.

Galvanising the global community

Philip Lymbery, our Global CEO, said:

Zac’s steadfast resolve at such an enormous undertaking to bring animal welfare and environmental concerns to the world stage is hugely humbling. He has always advocated and encouraged the UK to lead by example in setting high international standards for animal welfare and environmental protection, influencing global practices through trade agreements and diplomatic channels.

Zac’s conviction, energy, grit and passion in his belief that the health and welfare of animals, sustainable development and the environment are connected to human health and well-being has never wavered. This prestigious Animal Welfare and Environmental Protection Award is in recognition of Zac’s relentless efforts for legislation to protect animals and the environment and is richly deserved.

Josphat Ngonyo, ANAW Ambassador, said:

It is an enormous honour for us today to present this award to Zac on behalf of all the NGOs, to show our tremendous gratitude for his support to us on what appeared to be an unsurmountable and overwhelming challenge.

Improving animal welfare is vital to securing a sustainable future for animals, people, and the planet, and to see the UN adopt this resolution was hugely significant in marking a step-change with approaching environmental issues and galvanising the global community to work together.

Lord Goldsmith said he was “humbled” to receive the award, adding that the milestone UN resolution was the result of “strong, positive pressure” from colleagues across civil society and government. He concluded: “there’s nothing more repugnant than our abuse of animals. There’s nothing more important than our relationship with animals and nature.”

Global Award for Excellence in Animal Welfare honours Lord Goldsmith