Razan Al Mubarak Champions IUCN's First 20-Year Strategic Vision At Conservation Forum

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), recently delivered the opening remarks at the IUCN Regional Conservation Forum in Washington, DC. The two-day event took place at Conservation International in Arlington and gathered representatives from US-based IUCN Member organisations, IUCN Commissions, and other partners.

The forum addressed critical issues such as climate change, nature crime, and habitat connectivity. Al Mubarak highlighted the need to celebrate IUCN's achievements while also tackling pressing challenges like biodiversity loss and desertification. "Our environmental challenges are indeed interconnected and must be addressed holistically. IUCN members are central to this global effort," she stated.

The United States has a significant presence within the IUCN, with over 140 member organisations operating both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the US Department of State is a major donor to the IUCN, significantly contributing to its mission.

Al Mubarak emphasised the importance of a long-term vision to address future environmental challenges. She is advocating for a 20-year strategic vision for the IUCN, which is currently open for consultation. This strategy, along with the 2026-2029 IUCN Programme of Work, will be formally adopted at the World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

During her address in Washington, Al Mubarak encouraged delegates to actively participate in shaping these draft documents. The first day of the forum was dedicated to gathering input on the four-year Programme of Work and feedback on the 20-year vision.

Innovation and Inclusion as Pillars

Al Mubarak stressed that innovation and inclusion are crucial for addressing complex environmental challenges. "We need to keep innovating and embrace inclusivity," she said. "We need to make sure that as IUCN aligns its strategies with global environmental targets for 2030 and 2050, we embrace these values wholeheartedly."

The forum also reviewed current IUCN resolutions and their progress, along with motions for new resolutions to be voted on at the Abu Dhabi congress next year. Today’s sessions will focus on coordinating emergent priorities and goals for this upcoming congress.

The US Regional Conservation Forum is one of nine regional events leading up to the World Conservation Congress 2025. Al Mubarak noted that these forums are crucial for deciding "the future of our organisation and the impact we want it to have."

"Because we are not merely setting plans for the next four years," Al Mubarak added, "we are setting the path for an ambitious and impactful 20-year vision." Her remarks underscored the importance of aligning IUCN's strategies with long-term global environmental targets.

The forum's discussions highlighted both achievements and ongoing efforts within the environmental movement. Delegates were urged to contribute actively to shaping a sustainable future through innovative solutions and inclusive approaches.

With inputs from WAM