Stakeholders of equine charities invited to United Nations event

Photo credit: The Donkey Sanctuary

For the first time, equine charities will host a virtual side event at this year’s United Nations forum in July

The Donkey Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare are delighted to host their very first virtual event at the United Nations (UN) High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on their Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Stakeholders will take part in discussions about the role of working animals within achieving these SDG and how they relate to climate change and disease.

Run via Zoom on Tuesday 7 July, the charities’ side event, Working Animals: Climate Change and Public Health Issues in achieving the SDGS, has support from the UN Foot and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Senegal to the UN, which is represented by HE Ambassador Abdoulaye Barro. It’ll also feature a Q&A session.

Ian Cawsey, Director of Advocacy and Campaigns at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “In some of the most challenging parts of the world, well cared for working donkeys, horses and mules are crucial in mitigating the effects of climate change and building resilience to extreme events. As a UN environmental report last year stated, donkeys are ‘a valuable mode of all-weather, carbon neutral transport’. Yet up to five million donkeys a year are traded for their skins with all the biosecurity and health risks associated with the wildlife trade. We all want a safe and sustainable world – healthy working animals are an important part of that and must be factored into how governments respond to the challenges ahead”.

Roly Owers, CEO of World Horse Welfare, said: “Healthy, productive working animals like horses, donkeys and mules play a vital role in contributing to sustainable development, which has been overlooked for too long. They’re the original sustainable power source – purpose built for their environment, and transport millions of people each day, enabling access to clean water, education, healthcare and medical supplies and markets. They’re a lifeline for women and children, taking on the heavy burden of carrying water and firewood that would otherwise need to be borne by their owners. The financial boost working equids provide families, especially to women, makes all the difference to their livelihoods and independence.”

For more information or to register to join the Zoom call, visit worldhorsewelfare.zoom.us