Hosted in Hanoi on October 9-11, 2024, this year’s AFAD event was, once again, a huge success. This second in-person AFAD event, co-hosted by Animal & Vegan Advocacy (AVA) International and Asia for Animals Coalition (AfA), saw over 400 advocates of over 160 organizations from 47 countries gathered in the vibrant capital of Viet Nam, Hanoi.
Key Takeaways
Over 80% of the world's farmed animals are in Asia and the continent is also the world's most populous region, driving a high demand for animal products. Therefore, it’s crucial that the farmed animal protection movement be successful in the continent.
Sessions at AFAD covered a wide range of topics related to animal and veganism advocacy. The event also provided a platform for networking, idea and experience exchange, and job and grant opportunities. During the three days of the event, 26 meet-ups were arranged with nearly 700 delegates, and an overwhelming number of over 11,000 messages were exchanged via the event app Whova. Here are some key insights from this year's sessions that can help shape the future of farm animal advocacy in Asia:
The Kickstarting for Good Workshop offered invaluable lessons for emerging animal advocacy leaders. Participants were equipped with practical tools to initiate impactful campaigns, emphasizing the importance of starting small but strategically to create meaningful change. From resource mobilization to setting achievable goals, the workshop stressed that well-planned initiatives can have wide-reaching impacts on farmed animal welfare.
The Hive Networking Session and various meet-ups throughout AFAD demonstrated the power of building strong, diverse networks. Advocates were able to connect with like-minded individuals, share resources, and foster partnerships. Collaboration, both within and across borders, emerged as a critical factor in scaling advocacy efforts.
Utilizing AI technology, tips to create compelling visual media, and online advocacy were among the other most popular topics. The importance of compelling storytelling in advocacy was a key focus of the session on Creating Compelling Visual Media Across Southeast Asia. Advocates learned how to leverage visual media to connect with diverse audiences and amplify their message. The International Vegan Film Fest further highlighted the power of film in creating emotional resonance and driving awareness, with inspiring films that left the audience motivated to take action.
Several sessions, including those on Policy Advocacy, Cage-Free Conundrums, and Just Transition in Food Systems, focused on the intersection of animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and social justice. The discussions emphasized the need to protect animals, humans, and the planet, underscoring the urgency of systemic change to create a more compassionate and sustainable world.
The Asian funding landscape session was of particular interest to participants, where the esteemed speaker brought critical insights into the unique challenges and opportunities for funding in the animal advocacy movement, as well as the successes and promising future for the cage-free movement in the continent with more commitment and initiatives being developed.
This might not be the biggest event in the world, but it’s definitely the most important. At any given time, over 80% of farmed animals are here in Asia. If we’re not making a difference here, we’re not making a difference anywhere. – Lucas Alvarenga, Mercy For Animals Brasil
This year’s AFAD was more than just a gathering of passionate advocates–it was a reflection of the growing global movement for farmed animal welfare. The attendees, coming from all corners of the world, showed the diversity of approaches and solutions being applied to farmed animal issues. On the final day, participants dressed in their traditional attire for a group photo, capturing the rich cultural diversity of the individuals and organizations dedicated to this cause. This beautiful moment symbolized the unity and commitment to make lasting change for farmed animals in Asia and beyond.
Moving forward
From 2025 onwards, AFAD will return to its online format, and the AfA Farm Animal Coalition (FAC) will focus on its regional events, while AVA International will host the in-person AVA Asia conference for professional farmed animal advocates of the region.
Both FAC and AVA will continue to support each other and collaborate closely, with FAC offering guidance and support through the Asia Advisory Committee. This partnership ensures that AVA Asia remains culturally relevant and impactful in advancing farmed animal welfare across the region.
Asia Farm Animal Day since its foundation and onwards
AFAD 2024 proved that the future of farmed animal welfare in Asia is brighter than ever. With continued collaboration, innovative strategies, and a shared commitment to compassion, we are well on our way to achieving lasting change for animals across the region. Let’s keep building on the momentum from Hanoi and work towards a world where farmed animals are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Future events
All the sessions of AFAD are recorded and will be shared on AfA’s official Youtube channel, and stay tuned on AfA’s socials and website for future AFAD online activities!
While waiting for AFAD 2024’s sessions to be readily available on YouTube, we would like to draw your attention to the largest and most progressive animal advocacy conference in Asia, the AfA Conference. The AfA Conference has been established for the past 24 years and will be held in Taipei in 2025. Sponsorship opportunities and abstract submissions are currently open.
To enquire about sponsoring the event, please reach out to conference@asiaforanimals.com
Deadline to submit your abstract: December 10, 2024, 10:59 PM, GMT+7.
Registration to attend the Conference as a delegate will soon open. Stay tuned!
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