Riyadh Hosts 10th IUCN West Asia Regional Conservation Forum

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), recently opened the organisation’s 10th Regional Conservation Forum for West Asia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event, running until 11th September, is one of nine regional fora this year and has drawn over 350 representatives from various sectors.

Delegates at the forum are not only addressing regional challenges but also discussing the IUCN 2026-2029 Programme of Work and a 20-year Strategic Vision. This long-term vision was first recognised during the 2021 World Conservation Congress in Marseille, France. The formal adoption of this strategy will occur at the World Conservation Congress 2025 in the UAE.

Al Mubarak emphasised the importance of aligning IUCN's work with global environmental milestones for 2030 and 2050, as outlined in the UN Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Climate Agreement. "These targets are more than just dates on a calendar; they represent urgent calls to action, demanding our immediate and unwavering attention to address key environmental and biodiversity challenges," she stated.

The IUCN has a strong history in conservation, including habitat restoration, species revival, and policy shaping. Al Mubarak highlighted that their future efforts would expand to meet increasing environmental challenges. "While our tremendous work in the areas of species conservation and protected areas management will continue and grow, we will also innovate in how we address global threats such as climate change, agricultural expansion, and global health crises," she said.

Inclusivity is another critical aspect of IUCN’s strategy. The organisation aims to incorporate diverse voices, including indigenous communities and youth, into a unified vision. This approach ensures that nature, climate, and development agendas are interconnected rather than addressed separately.

High-Level Meetings

During the forum, Al Mubarak met with Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia, and Dr Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment of Egypt. These meetings underscore the collaborative spirit necessary for effective conservation efforts.

The forum has also garnered significant interest from UAE-based IUCN members. Representatives from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, and Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund attended the event.

As preparations continue for the World Conservation Congress in October 2025 in the UAE, it is crucial to shape an IUCN that meets contemporary needs. Al Mubarak stressed that both the work programme and strategy should reflect pivotal global environmental milestones for 2030 and 2050.

The roadmap developed at this forum will guide conservation actions in West Asia. This comprehensive plan aims to address pressing environmental issues while fostering collaboration among member organisations.

The event's success highlights IUCN's role as a leader in conservation efforts globally. By scaling up its initiatives and fostering inclusivity, IUCN aims to tackle current environmental challenges effectively.

The forum's outcomes will contribute significantly to shaping future conservation strategies. These strategies will be crucial for meeting global biodiversity targets set by international agreements like the UN Global Biodiversity Framework.

The discussions at this forum are expected to influence policies that will have long-term impacts on conservation efforts across West Asia. The collaborative approach taken by IUCN ensures that diverse perspectives are included in developing effective solutions.

Al Mubarak's leadership continues to drive forward-thinking strategies within IUCN. Her emphasis on innovation and inclusivity sets a strong foundation for future conservation efforts globally.

The engagement from various stakeholders at this forum demonstrates a collective commitment to addressing environmental challenges. This unified approach is essential for achieving sustainable conservation outcomes.

By focusing on long-term goals and fostering collaboration among diverse groups, IUCN aims to create impactful solutions for global environmental issues. This strategic direction aligns with international commitments to biodiversity and climate action.

As the forum concludes, it leaves behind a robust framework for future conservation actions in West Asia. This framework will guide member organisations in implementing effective strategies to protect biodiversity and address climate change impacts.

Al Mubarak’s remarks underscore the urgency of immediate action towards achieving these goals. Her leadership continues to inspire collective efforts towards sustainable environmental solutions globally.

With inputs from WAM