Here’s what we’ve been up to:

1. Met with the World Bank in June to discuss animal welfare and development (you can read our vision for livestock in development on our blog). At their request we published the Best Practice on Animal Welfare Development and Implementation, which they viewed positively and said that it provides them with the basis to develop a practical approach to policy recommendations and the adoption of best practice in their development work going forward.
2. WAN visited Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where we played a crucial role in the validation of the very first Regional Animal Welfare Strategy in Africa which covers eight countries in the Horn of Africa.
3. Presented at the Annual Summit for the Animals in Washington, D.C. about the role the U.S. plays in stopping progress for animals in international policy arenas.
4. Project managed a brand new Humane Education pilot project in Malawi, which is being professionaly monitored and evaluated. 
5. Partnered with BuscaFuska to help them promote a new animal adoption platform in Latin America (Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Chile, and Spain).
6. Launched the International Policy Update, published quarterly, that pulls together expertise and insight from animal protection experts from every region of the world. The Update is an extension of the International Policy Forum, a platform for leaders from each region of the world to exchange strategies and information. We held the first International Policy Forum in 2014, and have continued to develop the platform. You can subscribe to the International Policy Update here (be sure to select the box for "Quarterly international policy updates").
7. Participated in the 2016 OIE General Session in Paris, and prepared notes and information on this for the animal protection movement.
8. Released a report on Stray Dog Population Management and the role of the OIE Animal Welfare Standards. There’s even an infographic here.
9. Attended the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Global Animal Welfare Conference, and presented our poster at the poster session, where it was well received. You can read more about our work and advocacy at the conference on our blog.
10. Printed the Model Animal Welfare Act Book, which was promoted to attendees of the OIE Global Animal Welfare Conference. The Model Animal Welfare Act was released earlier this year and is also available as PDF and online. Sales of the book (available here) will enable us to cover the international shipping costs necessary to distribute the book to policymakers around the world.

We would also like to acknowledge all the wonderful Animal Protection Organizations and coalitions/alliances with whom we have cooperated throughout the year to strengthen our joint advocacy and programs, including the International Coalition for Animal Welfare and the Lilongwe SPCA as well as those who have financially supported specific projects, including the International Fund for Animal Welfare, WorldWide Animal Rescue, the Pettus Crowe Foundation, the Pegasus Foundation, and RSPCA International. Lastly, we would like to give a special thanks to our legal advisors, Akisha Townsend Eaton, Esq. and Dr. iur. Sabine Lennkh, and volunteers: Amy, Alyson, Cheau Ping, David Lao, David Sickles, Dynasty, Joe, Madalina, Mariangel, Marise, Mary, Meghna, Vani, and Leah, who have donated their skills and time to help make this year possible.

Happy New Year from the WAN Team!