At Compassion in World Farming, sustainable development is the foundation of everything we do. The world is facing a convergence of urgent, interconnected crises – from rising hunger and worsening climate shocks to the loss of biodiversity and growing inequality – which demand collective solutions.

In 2015, all 193 United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – a global commitment to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure dignity and opportunity for all. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – ranging from zero hunger and clean water to climate action and life on land. The overarching objective of this agenda is to realise a better, safer, more sustainable and fairer world for everyone, everywhere, by 2030. However, as we approach the 2030 deadline, progress remains dangerously off track.

Our mission at the UN

We believe a major part of the problem – and the solution – lies in how we produce food and how we treat animals within those systems. For example, intensive animal farming is one of the leading contributors to climate change, deforestation, antimicrobial resistance, and poor public health outcomes. Yet, the issue remains ignored in global policy discussions in spite of the need for urgent action.

This is why Compassion works to ensure that the transformation of food systems – and the protection of animals within them – is recognised as essential to achieving the SDGs. From the fight against hunger (SDG 2) to climate action (SDG 13), from health and wellbeing (SDG 3) to responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), our advocacy connects the welfare of animals to the future of people and the planet. Our work focuses on making these connections visible and actionable at the highest levels.

Our key message is simple, yet urgent: There is no sustainable development without transforming the way we treat animals.

How we work