Preparations for the 2018 High Level Political Forum (HLPF) at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters are now in full swing! As co-organizers of the Animal Issues Thematic Cluster, a coalition of animal protection organizations advocating at the UN (founded by Thinking Animals United), we are working to ensure that animals are represented at the HLPF. 

As part of this effort, we're encouraging national animal protection organizations to become involved in these processes. This year, 47 countries are conducting Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). These are national processes that aim to assess the progress of implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and should include an opportunity for civil society (and animal protection organization) participation. 

The VNRs feed into the High Level Political Forum in the form of official reports and short presentations during the proceedings. Because animal wellbeing is intrinsically linked to the SDGs, as we argued in this blog published by the UN, it is important for national organizations to get involved. The countries conducting a VNR in 2018 are: 

For more information, here are some documents that can help you get your bearings:

• A guidance document we prepared after last year's HLPF on engagement for animal protection
• A guidance document (prepared for women's rights groups, but still useful for animal groups) on how organizations can be involved in VNRs
• A Q&A on VNRs put together by the UN

If your organization is in a VNR country, or knows an organization who may be willing to participate in a VNR country, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., as we can help you get started.