Expanding Humane Leadership Across Europe

Strengthening Global Partnerships: Global Humane Society Leaders Engage in High-Level Dialogues in Brussels

Dr. Robin Ganzert, PhD, President and CEO of the Global Humane Society (GHS), led a series of strategic meetings in Brussels alongside Stephanie Carmody, Chief Operating Officer, and Dr. Kashyap Choksi, Senior Vice President for Global Partnerships. The delegation also included Sami Schneider, Communications Officer, and Tamás Lajos Szalay, consultant representing GHS’s Brussels office.

The meetings underscored GHS’s enduring commitment to advancing humane science and collaborative policy worldwide.

At the European Commission’s Berlaymont building, the delegation met with European Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi to discuss opportunities for partnership in strengthening animal welfare standards and integrating GHS’s 150 years of expertise into the European framework for humane policy and practice.

Additional engagements included a constructive dialogue with H.E. Luvsanvandan Bold, Ambassador of Mongolia to the EU, on promoting responsible tourism and conservation; a productive meeting with representatives of the Motion Picture Association (MPA) in Brussels to explore cooperative efforts on humane standards in global film and media production; and a forward-looking exchange with Bernard Clerfayt, Minister of the Brussels-Capital Region, on companion animal welfare and the forthcoming regional Animal Welfare Act.

These discussions reflect GHS’s vision of a world where every partnership builds a bridge between compassion, science and action — for the good of all living beings.

Pictured from left to right: Lilla Harangozo, Dr. Kashyap Choksi, Dr. Robin Ganzert, Tamas Szalay, Sami Schneider, Stephanie Carmody and Istvan Ujhelyi.

Opening of GHS Brussels Office

The Global Humane Society (GHS) has opened its first European office in Brussels — marking a significant milestone in advancing humane science and animal welfare across the continent.

Building on nearly 150 years of leadership, GHS protects more than 1.5 billion animals each year, including farm, zoo, aquarium, and rescued animals, and upholds the world-renowned standard in film and television.

The new Brussels office serves as a hub for collaboration with European institutions, industry leaders, and NGOs, extending GHS’s global expertise to regional initiatives in conservation, agriculture, tourism, and humane entertainment.

Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO, emphasized that establishing a permanent presence in Brussels “strengthens our ability to collaborate with partners, extend our knowledge, and promote the highest standards of animal welfare across industries.”

With its European base, Global Humane Society is poised to build lasting partnerships and drive a more compassionate future for animals throughout Europe.

GHS Champions the Connection Between Animal Welfare and Sustainable Tourism at the Tourism365 Conference, Croatia

At the Tourism365 Conference, one of Europe’s leading events on sustainability and the future of travel, Dr. Kashyap Choksi, Senior Vice President for Global Partnerships at GHS, delivered a powerful video address underscoring a vital truth: there can be no sustainable tourism without animal welfare.

In his message, Dr. Choksi called on global industry leaders to recognize that animal well-being is an essential pillar of responsible tourism and invited collaboration on future ecotourism initiatives. His remarks emphasized that partnerships between GHS and tourism stakeholders are key to shaping a more ethical, sustainable and compassionate future for travel.

The conference once again demonstrated the growing understanding that environmental sustainability and animal welfare are inseparable goals. GHS extended special thanks to Ivana Kolar, the event’s organizer, for her leadership and professionalism in creating an inspiring platform for dialogue.

Building Humane Collaboration with Hungary’s Minister of Agriculture

A constructive and forward-looking meeting took place between Dr. Kashyap Choksi, GHS Senior Vice President for Global Partnerships, and Dr. István Nagy, Hungary’s Minister of Agriculture. Accompanied by Tamás Lajos Szalay, GHS consultant in Brussels, Dr. Choksi discussed pathways to strengthen the implementation of global animal welfare standards in Europe — with particular focus on sustainable and ethical practices within the poultry sector.

Minister Nagy expressed openness to cooperation, paving the way for a potential formal partnership. The discussion marked an important step toward integrating international best practices into European agricultural policy and reinforcing shared commitments to animal welfare and sustainable food systems.

Strengthening Partnerships Across Hungary

Dr. Kashyap Choksi carried out a high-impact visit to Hungary in early September, organized by GHS’s Brussels-based EU representation. The visit reinforced GHS’s mission to connect science, compassion, and collaboration across Europe through partnerships in animal welfare, conservation and creative industries.

During his visit, Dr. Choksi met with Endre Sós, Director of the Budapest Zoo—one of Europe’s oldest zoological institutions—to discuss future cooperation opportunities. He also toured Nyíregyháza Zoo, guided by Endre Papp, Deputy Director and former President of EAZA, where discussions focused on advancing best practices for animal care and education.

Dr. Choksi also participated in the CineFest International Film Festival in Miskolc, presenting the history and mission of GHS’s renowned Hollywood animal welfare program to film industry leaders. Further engagements included meetings at Richter Safari Park and Korda Studios, both exploring collaboration in humane filmmaking and conservation storytelling.

A highlight of the trip was a field visit to Hortobágy National Park and the Pentezug Reserve, home to the world’s largest semi-wild population of Przewalski’s horses.

These activities underscored GHS’s holistic approach—linking animal welfare, culture and sustainability to inspire a more humane global community.

A Shared Commitment to Humane Progress: GHS and Hungary Sign Landmark Animal Welfare Agreement

Hungary has taken an important step forward in animal welfare through the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Global Humane Society (GHS) and Közös Ügyünk az Állatvédelem Alapítvány (“Our Common Cause: Animal Protection Foundation”), the country’s state-established animal protection foundation.

The agreement—signed at the Rex Animal Shelter in Budapest by Dr. Kashyap Choksi, Péter Ovádi, the Hungarian Government’s Commissioner for Animal Protection, and Szilvia Vetter, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees—marks one of the first European partnerships of its kind.

The collaboration focuses on developing shared European minimum standards for animal welfare, knowledge-sharing and the adaptation of international best practices to regional contexts.

Dr. Choksi stated:

“Protecting animal well-being is not a political issue but a shared moral and scientific responsibility. We are proud to partner with Hungary in shaping a future where compassion and collaboration define animal protection in Europe.”

All parties agreed that setting common welfare benchmarks must become a shared European goal, demonstrating Hungary’s leadership in humane progress.

Humane Filmmaking in Focus: GHS and Hungary’s National Film Institute Forge Groundbreaking Partnership

The Global Humane Society and the National Film Institute (NFI) of Hungary have signed a landmark cooperation agreement, establishing the first formal partnership between GHS and a European film institute.

The collaboration promotes ethical filmmaking by recognizing animal actors as sentient beings whose welfare must be protected under science-based standards. The NFI will explore adapting GHS’s globally respected No Animals Were Harmed certification program—long a hallmark of Hollywood—to European productions.

Ákos Pál, CEO of NFI, affirmed the institute’s commitment to sustainable filmmaking:

“We are proud to be the first European film institute to join GHS’s initiative and to embed animal welfare at the heart of creative production.”

Dr. Choksi emphasized that the partnership represents “a new chapter for humane filmmaking in Europe” and aligns with GHS’s mission to expand its nearly 150-year legacy of compassionate innovation beyond the United States.

Building Partnerships for a More Humane Future: Strategic Visit to Madrid

In June, Dr. Kashyap Choksi led a series of high-level discussions in Madrid to explore opportunities for GHS collaboration with Spain’s government, tourism and animal welfare sectors.

Meetings included exchanges with Rosario Sánchez Grau, Spain’s Secretary of State for Tourism, and Ana Muñoz Llabrés, Director General for Tourism Policies, focusing on integrating animal welfare into sustainable tourism strategies.

Further dialogues were held with Inmaculada Benito (CEOE), José Herrera (Madrid Mayor’s Office), and Miguel Chico, a prominent agricultural communicator, exploring how humane standards can strengthen agriculture and food systems.

The visit concluded at the Ministry of Social Rights and Consumer Affairs, where discussions with José Ramón Becerra and Ana María Catalán Alcalá centered on collaboration in training, policy development, and European-wide animal welfare standards.

This mission represented far more than a series of meetings—it was a reaffirmation of GHS’s commitment to building a compassionate and sustainable Europe for animals and people alike.

A Milestone Event: European Premiere of Escape from Extinction: Rewilding

The Global Humane Society hosted its first major European event at Brussels’ Residence Palace—the European premiere of Escape from Extinction: Rewilding (2024), directed by Matthew Brady. Nearly 100 distinguished guests, including EU officials, journalists and conservation leaders, attended the screening and reception.

Discussions highlighted the connection between animal welfare, biodiversity and sustainability, reaffirming GHS’s role as a convener of global dialogue on humane solutions.

Guests included Julia Simpson, President of the World Travel & Tourism Council, and Claus Strunz, CEO of Euronews, alongside Dr. Choksi and Dr. Tom Edling, GHS’s Chief Veterinary Officer and Animal Ethicist.

The event celebrated the growing recognition that protecting animals and ecosystems is a shared human responsibility—one that lies at the heart of GHS’s mission.

Pictured: Dr. Robin Ganzert (left) and European Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi (right).

Advancing Humane Policy: GHS Leadership Meets with European Commissioner in Brussels

Dr. Kashyap Choksi and Dr. Tom Edling met with European Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi at the European Commission headquarters to discuss cooperation on advancing animal welfare policies.

During the meeting, the GHS delegation presented the organization’s legacy of humane certification programs and announced plans to establish an official, Belgian-registered office in Brussels—marking a significant milestone in GHS’s European engagement.

GHS Hosts First European Parliament Roundtable on Animal Welfare in Tourism

With the support of MEP Tilly Metz, honorary chair of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Animal Welfare, GHS convened a roundtable titled “Animal Welfare in Tourism – Standards for a Sustainable Sector.”

Dr. Kashyap Choksi introduced GHS’s nearly 150-year legacy and outlined strategies for integrating animal welfare into the global sustainability agenda. Participants shared expert insights on developing responsible tourism models rooted in compassion and ethics, reaffirming GHS’s belief that humane tourism benefits animals, people and the planet alike.

First Steps Toward a Humane Europe: GHS at FITUR 2025 in Madrid

GHS began its 2025 European journey at the FITUR International Tourism Fair in Madrid, one of the world’s largest gatherings for tourism professionals.

Led by Dr. Kashyap Choksi, the delegation met with international organizations, government leaders, and industry partners—including the tourism ministers of Madagascar and Zimbabwe—to discuss the vital role of animal welfare in sustainable tourism development.

The team also met with Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director of UN Tourism, to explore opportunities for long-term global cooperation.

GHS’s participation at FITUR marked an early but important milestone in its ongoing mission to integrate humane standards into every aspect of tourism, ensuring that sustainability always includes compassion.