Nature Guardians Majlis Mobilises Private And Third Sectors For A Sustainable Future In The UAE

The UAE is taking significant steps to enhance its global environmental leadership by hosting the third Nature Guardians Majlis. This event, held on October 2, 2025, was organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and led by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak. It brought together private companies, NGOs, universities, and research centres to discuss advancing a nature-positive economy.

The Majlis aims to prepare for the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Building on previous editions in New York and Dubai, this forum focuses on innovation and impact within the UAE. It highlights the role of private and third sectors in tackling environmental challenges, integrating scientific research for sustainable growth.

Held at MOCCAE's Dubai headquarters, the Majlis aimed to accelerate a shift towards a nature-positive economy. It encouraged collaboration beyond ambition to concrete action. By positioning conservation as an investable market, it highlighted financial benefits through tools like green bonds and carbon credits.

The event followed the traditional Emirati Majlis format, fostering open discussion among leaders from corporations, tech innovators, finance institutions, NGOs, universities, and research centres. Senior MOCCAE officials also attended alongside representatives from organisations like IFAW, Mawarid Holding Investment, Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center, Emirates Nature–WWF, ADNOC, Beeah Group – Sharjah, 4 Earth Intelligence, Nabat, New York University Abu Dhabi, American University in Dubai, and Khorfakkan University's College of Marine Sciences.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak emphasised the importance of private and third sectors in advancing climate goals. She stated: "The private sector and the third sector are among the most important pillars of the UAE’s development journey... By bringing together the private and third sectors... These tangible commitments will directly inform the UAE’s leadership at IUCN 2025."

The dialogue centred around four strategic pillars guiding focused discussions. "Leadership in the Age of Scrutiny" explored integrating biodiversity into business models beyond CSR. "The Investment Challenge" addressed scaling Nature-Based Solutions with financing mechanisms like blended finance.

Innovation and Legacy Commitments

"Innovation and Accountability" prioritised innovative business models and technologies for transformation. Discussions highlighted AI's role in measuring biodiversity outcomes while considering community involvement for equity. "The Legacy Commitment" looked towards IUCN Congress 2025 to create lasting initiatives.

Key outcomes included public commitments to invest in nature for economic prosperity. Frameworks for scalable partnerships between corporations and NGOs were developed to accelerate nature-positive solutions' implementation.

Community Awareness and Global Dialogue

The Council stressed strengthening coordination among entities involved in environmental protection to avoid duplicated efforts. Increasing community awareness was deemed crucial for successful sustainable projects as community members ensure long-term initiative success.

Participants agreed on showcasing UAE's achievements as a unique development model balancing economic growth with environmental protection during IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025.

This unified vision empowers UAE to lead a constructive global dialogue at IUCN Congress 2025 while promoting practical solutions that balance economic growth with environmental protection.

With inputs from WAM