Prince William played a pivotal role in an online meeting with the United for Wildlife Taskforces on Wednesday. During his participation on the call, the Duke is said to have "encouraged the international community to come together to end wildlife crime for good." The webinar itself addressed the illegal wildlife trade as well as its links to zoonotic disease and pandemics.
Prince William speaks out on preventing future pandemics
The Duke of Cambridge's statement reflected on the damages of the COVID-19 pandemic and lessons that should be taken away from what we're currently experiencing.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has ruined lives and threatened livelihoods across the world," William said during the meeting. "It is important that we learn the lessons from this pandemic, including looking at why the outbreak happened, why it was not stopped earlier, and what can be done to manage any outbreak in the future. That's why I'm pleased that Helen Clark and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf are leading an independent review to ensure that the right lessons are learned."
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The prince continued, urging that action must be taken. "Right now, there is a real chance to ensure that the urgent steps that the world must take to prevent future zoonotic disease pandemics are designed in a way that also helps to eradicate the illegal wildlife trade."
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge share wildlife conservation short film
Prince William's message of urgency was included in a short film that was shared on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Instagram page on Wednesday. In the preview clip, William identifies that international organizations, governments, law enforcements, NGOs, and the private sector will all need to come together on this cause. The Cambridges also encouraged viewers to watch the full short on United for Wildlife's Instagram page.
United for Wildlife is led by the Duke of Cambridge and the Royal Foundation. William last spoke at an event for the organization at St. James's Palace in January of 2020.
