Decisions made in international fora, such as the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), can positively and negatively affect the management authority or practices of state, provincial, and territorial fish and wildlife agencies. However, the state fish and wildlife agencies (states) do not have the resources (e.g., time or funding) necessary to all participate in CITES, IUCN, or other international fora. At the same time, U.S. federal agencies, foreign governments, and NGOs are at the table and have input in decisions. Therefore, it is critical that state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies have a voice in international fora. In 1994, the states created the CITES Technical Work Group (Work Group) to address the need in an efficient and effective manner. It includes a member from each state regional association and AFWA. The Work Group has been highly effective in supporting the state’s (and where appropriate Canadian Provinces and Territories) ability to manage and conserve wildlife, and in influencing decisions through science-based positions that encourage the sustainable use of wildlife. In the absence of the Work Group, the states do not have a voice, nor can they bring science-based, on-the-ground expertise to help guide decisions. 2025 is a particularly important year because the CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP20) and the IUCN World Conservation Congress will occur. In 2023 and 2024, the CITES Technical Work Group collaborated with the USFWS on non-detriment findings development, species data and information collection (e.g., polar bear, caribou, and peregrine falcon), and preparing for the Animals and Standing Committee; participated in working groups (e.g., non-detriment findings, reducing the risk of zoonotic disease emergence, species specific groups); represented the state agencies at the CITES Animals and Standing Committee; participated as a member of the US Delegation to the Standing Committee; and kept the state agencies informed on CITES issues and developments. This was in preparation for the Conference of the Parties and Standing Committee meetings in 2025. The purpose of the grant is to ensure that state positions and data/management information is presented in international forums; that those positions support sustainable use, state authority, and the conservation and management of native species using the best available science; and that the states and the U.S. government collaborate on international conservation issues. The Work Group coordinates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to ensure that processes for the implementation of CITES decisions are practical to implement by the states. The Work Group must participate in CITES meetings and work closely with the USFWS and other federal agencies. This grant will allow the Work Group to ensure that the state’s ability to manage wildlife is not negatively impacted by actions taken at CITES, IUCN or other fora, and where appropriate, the Work Group will support Canadian Provinces and Territories. The Work Group will also serve as the state contact point for the USFWS and other federal agencies, providing an efficient way for the U.S. government to cooperatively implement their international obligations. Deliverables include effective and targeted outreach to the states, species conservation and management data and information to help the U.S. government make informed decisions and implement their international obligations, and participation in key meetings and on important technical committees. The grant will also help ensure that CITES and IUCN are a tool in the conservation of management of our native wildlife. The impact of grant outcomes continues beyond the life of this grant by impacting fish and wildlife conservation and management.