We are delighted to announce that Sirjana Nijjar, the esteemed Director of Programs at the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) and representative for the Asia for Animals Coalition, has been re-elected to the board of the World Federation for Animals (WFA). This significant appointment ensures that the Asia-Pacific region will continue to have a strong voice in global animal welfare discussions and decision-making processes.
About Sirjana Nijjar
Sirjana Nijjar has been a pivotal figure in the animal welfare sector in the Asia-Pacific region. Her work at the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations (FIAPO), the apex animal rights body in India, has been instrumental in driving policy change, implementing existing laws, and influencing government actions to improve animal welfare legislations. With a background in science and law from the University of Delhi, Sirjana has a robust understanding of both the biological and legal aspects of animal welfare.
Her career began with rescuing animals on the streets, demonstrating her deep-seated passion for animal welfare from the ground up. Over the years, she has collaborated with various national and international organizations, focusing on administration, planning, monitoring, and advocacy. Sirjana’s expertise extends to human-animal welfare, livelihoods, disease surveillance, and veterinary services for animal welfare, making her a versatile and influential leader in the field.
Key Topics Discussed at the WFA General Assembly
The recent General Assembly of the World Federation for Animals in Copenhagen, Denmark, from May 14-16, 2024, was a landmark event where crucial topics regarding animal welfare and sustainable development were discussed. Here are some highlights from the assembly:
1. Sustainable Development Strategy: A significant part of the assembly was dedicated to developing a shared vision and strategy for animal welfare and sustainable development. The discussions emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental health, human well-being, and animal welfare, highlighting the importance of holistic approaches to tackling global challenges.
2. The Promise to Animals and Our Future: One of the core themes was the WFA’s unified commitment to ensuring animal welfare is recognized as essential to the sustainable development agenda. This promise has garnered the support of over 60 organizations globally, all agreeing to elevate animal welfare as a cornerstone of sustainable development. The promise outlines the necessity of systemic policy changes to create lasting impacts, emphasizing that how we interact with animals directly affects our planet’s health and sustainability.
3. Workshops and Panels: The assembly included various workshops and panels discussing the future of animal welfare from regional perspectives. These sessions provided insights into the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by different regions, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing best practices and innovative solutions.
4. Excursion to Knuthenborg Safaripark: An excursion to Knuthenborg Safaripark demonstrated practical implementations of animal welfare and sustainability. The park’s emphasis on creating habitats that support natural behaviors and biodiversity showcased successful models of ethical animal management and conservation.
Commitment to Our Promises
Asia for Animals Coalition remains committed to the promises made during the General Assembly. We recognize the profound impact of our interactions with animals on global crises such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. By promoting high animal welfare standards and sustainable practices, we aim to contribute to a healthier planet and a better future for all.
Sirjana Nijjar's re-election to the WFA board is a strategic move to ensure that the Asia-Pacific region's perspectives are well-represented in global animal welfare discussions. Sirjana will act as a crucial link, transferring knowledge from WFA functions to the Asia for Animals Coalition, ensuring that our regional concerns and insights are effectively communicated at the international level. This representation allows us to voice our opinions on animal welfare in Asia through Sirjana, strengthening our collective efforts towards our shared goals.
We extend our congratulations to Sirjana and reaffirm our commitment to working together towards a more compassionate and sustainable world.
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