Global Conservation Leaders Convene In Abu Dhabi For Nature’s Promise Dialogue Ahead Of COP30

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), recently gathered a diverse group in Abu Dhabi. This included government officials, Indigenous leaders, UN representatives, scientists, and youth advocates. The event, part of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, aimed to integrate nature, climate, and people into the global agenda more effectively.

The dialogue focused on creating a unified message titled "Nature’s Promise for Climate and People." This message is intended to evolve leading up to COP30 in Belém, Brazil. It aims to represent the collective voice of the conservation community and stress that nature should remain central to climate solutions and people's wellbeing worldwide.

Throughout the discussions, conservation was portrayed as a sacred duty rooted in Indigenous wisdom. Participants highlighted the importance of empowering local communities and youth. They also emphasised recognising Indigenous knowledge as science and integrating climate-nature solutions with urgency and practical action.

Speakers stressed the need for inclusive decision-making processes that value ecosystem services. They called for closing the global finance gap for nature, estimated at over USD $700 billion annually. Encouraging businesses and financial institutions to invest in ecosystems was seen as crucial for stability and shared prosperity.

The dialogue reaffirmed nature's vital role in addressing the climate crisis. It underscored the conservation community's commitment to bridging the gap between global ambition and action for climate and people. Participants were invited to collaborate on shaping a concise message that would continue evolving before COP30.

Surangel Whipps Jr., President of Palau, praised Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak for facilitating an open exchange. He noted that participants discussed both challenges and opportunities in conservation. "Participants spoke openly about both the challenges and the opportunities ahead for conservation — and about how, together, we can do more to turn ambition into action," he said.

Financial Leadership Amidst Political Delays

Razan Al Mubarak highlighted how finance and business could lead when policy wavers or politics delay progress. "When policy wavers and politics delay, finance and business can still lead — turning promises into protection, and pledges into progress," she stated.

The event featured notable figures like Dr. Sylvia Earle, IUCN Patron of Nature; Achim Steiner; Dr. David Obura; Maria Soledad Rojas; and Puyr Tembé. They represented various sectors from grassroots communities to international organisations.

IUCN's Role in Global Conservation Efforts

IUCN President Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak emphasised IUCN's unique role in uniting diverse voices under a shared purpose: "As the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, IUCN brings together governments, Indigenous peoples, scientists, civil society, youth, and business — all voices united by a shared purpose to bridge the climate and nature agendas."

The dialogue concluded with Razan Al Mubarak reaffirming IUCN's commitment to bridging climate, biodiversity, and development agendas: "Together, we can deliver on nature’s promise — for climate, for people, and for future generations." The message from Abu Dhabi will continue to develop through consultations with IUCN Constituents before COP30.

With inputs from WAM