21 May 2025
Yesterday (20 May), the prestigious inaugural Award for Excellence in Animal Welfare and Environmental Protection was presented to the highly esteemed British politician, peer and lifelong environmentalist, The Rt Hon. the Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park. The occasion marked Lord Goldsmith’s relentless and vocal advocacy in animal welfare and his support in spearheading an unprecedented major United Nations initiative. The presentation, which took place at a reception in Westminster, hosted by Lord Gascoigne, was well attended by current and former cross-party MPs and Peers, including Defra Minister, Baroness Hayman, Shadow Defra Minister Dr Neil Hudson MP, parliamentarians, and civil society representatives.
Lord Goldsmith has been at the forefront of various campaigns to promote environmental awareness and action within the UK and beyond. Most notably, his unwavering leadership and dedicated support were instrumental in the coordinated efforts of the Member States Friends of the Resolution (MSFOR), along with the Civil Society Organizations Friends of the Resolution (CSOFOR) – a coalition of NGOs formed to support MSFOR’s mission. Under this collective initiative, all 193 United Nations Member States were successfully engaged and backed the resolution.
This significant milestone was marked by the adoption of the Animal Welfare, Environment and Sustainable Development Nexus Resolution by the United Nations Environment Assembly on 2 March 2022, during its fifth session (UNEA 5.2). This landmark resolution resulted in the UN to commission a report aimed at deepening the understanding of the interconnectedness between animal welfare and key global challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and the emergence of pandemics and zoonotic diseases. Lord Goldsmith’s exceptional leadership was instrumental in the successful adoption of this historic resolution.
Lord Gascoigne said: “I am delighted to host this special event to celebrate my friend – Lord Goldsmith’s outstanding contribution to animal welfare and environmental protection. Throughout his political life, Zac has championed the recognition that the welfare of animals is inseparable from the health of our planet and our societies. We are here to honour his leadership, support and influence in adopting the historic Animal Welfare, Environment, Sustainable Development Nexus Resolution approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly during UNEA 5 in 2022. We are proud to stand alongside him today in recognising this vital work, and we thank him for his unwavering commitment to a more compassionate and sustainable world.”
“It is an enormous honour for us today to present this award to Zac on behalf of all the NGOs, to show our tremendous gratitude for his support to us on what appeared to be an unsurmountable and overwhelming challenge,” said Josphat Ngonyo, the ANAW ambassador on behalf of ANAW. “Improving animal welfare is vital to securing a sustainable future for animals, people, and the planet, and to see the UN adopt this resolution was hugely significant in marking a step-change with approaching environmental issues and galvanising the global community to work together.”
“Zac’s steadfast resolve at such an enormous undertaking to bring animal welfare and environmental concerns to the world stage is hugely humbling,” said Philip Lymbery, Global CEO of Compassion in World Farming. “He has always advocated and encouraged the UK to lead by example in setting high international standards for animal welfare and environmental protection, influencing global practices through trade agreements and diplomatic channels. Zac’s conviction, energy, grit and passion in his belief that the health and welfare of animals, sustainable development and the environment are connected to human health and well-being has never wavered. This prestigious Animal Welfare and Environmental Protection Award is in recognition of Zac’s relentless efforts for legislation to protect animals and the environment and is richly deserved.”
Lorraine Platt, Co-founder of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation (CAWF), which co-hosted the awards event added: “It is fitting that Lord Goldsmith, is receiving this special award in recognition of his inspirational work to advance animal welfare, conservation, and environmental protection. He has long been a passionate and vocal advocate for these causes – well before his former role as Minister for the International Environment, Climate, UK Animal Welfare, and Forests. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment in championing animal welfare and protecting the environment. It’s a deep honour to see his remarkable efforts recognised and we are particularly proud of his pivotal role in adopting the landmark Animal Welfare, Environment, and Sustainable Development Nexus Resolution approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2022 during UNEA 5 – a testament to his global impact. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lord Goldsmith for his unwavering advocacy for animal welfare and environmental protection both in Parliament and on the world stage.”
Susan Millward, CEO of the Animal Welfare Institute which has supported the UNGA efforts and is a co-host of the awards event said: “Animals and people around the world are better off because of Lord Goldsmith. His compassion, dedication and leadership show what can be done when there is unity and commitment to a common goal. There is still much to be done to strengthen animal protections and to cultivate an abiding recognition that the welfare of animals, people, and the planet are intertwined and interdependent. We are enormously grateful to Lord Goldsmith for his role in advancing this recognition and for his tenacious pursuit of a sustainable future for us all.”
Lord Goldsmith said he was “humbled” to receive the award, adding that the milestone UN resolution was the result of “strong, positive pressure” from colleagues across civil society and government. He concluded: “there’s nothing more repugnant than our abuse of animals. There’s nothing more important than our relationship with animals and nature.”
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For more information, please email media.team@ciwf.org or call 01483 521 615.
Notes to Editors:
- CSOFOR members include Compassion in World Farming, Animal Welfare Institute, Nature for Justice, Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA), World Animal Protection, Brooke and the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) among others.
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