Azzedine T Downes serves as President and CEO of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, leading the organization through a period of significant transformation in global conservation work. With a background spanning the Peace Corps, USAID, and international development across multiple continents, he brings a perspective shaped by his multicultural heritage and extensive fieldwork in diverse regions.
Under his leadership, IFAW has expanded geographically and repositioned itself to address the interconnected challenges facing wildlife and human communities alike. His approach emphasizes collaborative problem-solving across sectors — from military officers to reformed poachers — while championing initiatives such as Room to Roam, a transnational corridor protecting African landscapes. Downes remains focused on fostering hope and resilience, particularly among younger generations confronting climate anxiety.
