IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 Set For Abu Dhabi Under UAE President's Patronage

The IUCN World Conservation Congress will be held in Abu Dhabi from 9th to 15th October 2025, marking its first occurrence in the GCC region. This event, under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlights the UAE's dedication to environmental protection and biodiversity preservation. The congress aims to gather global leaders and experts to address pressing environmental issues.

The UAE's successful bid to host this significant event was led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) alongside the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). The decision followed a thorough review by the IUCN Council in 2023. Hosting this congress underscores the UAE's commitment to fostering international environmental dialogue and initiatives.

More than 10,000 participants from over 160 countries are expected at the congress, including government officials, scientists, and environmental specialists. Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, stated that hosting this event solidifies the UAE's role as a global hub for addressing environmental challenges. "The UAE’s hosting of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi...solidifies the nation's position as a global hub for dialogue and action in addressing the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world today," she said.

Dr Amna emphasised that protecting natural ecosystems is crucial for the UAE. The nation is pioneering innovative programmes for resource conservation at both regional and global levels. She added that MoCCAE will actively participate in shaping future climate actions during the congress. "Protecting our natural ecosystems – both on land and at sea – is of utmost importance to the UAE," she noted.

Razan Al Mubarak, President of IUCN and Managing Director of EAD, highlighted that under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership, nature conservation has been central to UAE’s success at COP28. "Under the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan...the UAE has long recognised that climate action and nature conservation must go hand in hand," she remarked.

Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, noted that selecting Abu Dhabi as host city underscores its role in global environmental efforts. "The selection of the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi to host...underscores the UAE’s role as a driving force in global efforts to protect the environment," she said. The congress will serve as a platform for discussing biodiversity conservation on a global scale.

IUCN Congress: A Platform for Collaboration

The IUCN Congress occurs every four years, bringing together leaders from government, civil society, business, and academia. It serves as IUCN’s highest decision-making body where delegates elect key positions like President and Treasurer. Dr Grethel Aguilar, Director-General of IUCN expressed gratitude towards UAE’s support for hosting this event.

"IUCN would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the UAE...We are grateful for the support," Aguilar stated. The congress aims to unite diverse groups worldwide with a shared goal of valuing and conserving nature amidst unprecedented challenges.

The UAE holds full membership within IUCN with various organisations participating as members. These include MoCCAE as a state member along with NGO members like Emirates Nature-WWF. Government members include EAD and Dubai Desert Conservation Centre among others.

This gathering provides an opportunity for showcasing regional conservation actions while learning from global experts. It builds upon Marseille’s legacy by amplifying conservation success stories particularly in species restoration through collaboration among governments NGOs private sectors indigenous groups worldwide.

With inputs from WAM