Razan Al Mubarak Presides Over Key IUCN Conservation Meeting In Switzerland

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak is presiding over the 111th meeting of the Council of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which commenced today in Gland, Switzerland. Elected to a four-year term as President of the IUCN in 2021, Ms. Al Mubarak is the second woman and the first from the Arab world to lead this esteemed conservation organisation.

The three-day meeting will focus on several strategic topics, including a draft of IUCN’s 20-year vision. This vision aims to address the significant challenges to species survival and climate stability. "The 20-year strategic vision recognises the unprecedented challenges to the survival of species and our climate that are already painfully evident today," said Ms. Al Mubarak.

The Council will also review IUCN’s initial draft programme for 2026 to 2029. This draft is a preliminary step towards finalising a four-year plan, which will be voted upon by members at the IUCN 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi from October 9 to 15 next year.

Upcoming World Conservation Congress

The congress, held once every four years, gathers representatives from public institutions, civil society, indigenous peoples, academia, and the private sector. "In addition to its significance for the global conservation effort, the congress offers an opportunity for host countries to showcase their biodiversity and heritage as well as their environmental leadership," said Ms. Al Mubarak.

This week’s agenda in Gland includes discussions on appointing an Election Officer and Deputy Election Officer for the congress. Delegates will also discuss criteria for key positions such as President, Treasurer, and Chairs of Commissions.

Positioning at Major UN Events

On Thursday, delegates discussed IUCN's positioning during three major global environment-related United Nations events later this year: COP16 to the Convention on Biological Diversity, UNFCCC COP29, and COP16 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

During these conferences, IUCN advocates for nature-based solutions—such as reversing deforestation and restoring ecosystems—to achieve both conservation and sustainable development goals. "We have the tools to confront these challenges through nature-based solutions that enhance both environmental and human well-being," said Ms. Al Mubarak.

Commitments at COP28

At COP28 in the UAE, the international community acknowledged biodiversity's crucial role in combating climate change. "The commitments made at COP28, including halting deforestation by 2030 and pledging $2.7 billion to safeguard forest and coastal ecosystems, represent a pivotal step in our shared efforts," said Ms. Al Mubarak.

Ms. Al Mubarak emphasised that it is essential for this approach to continue at COP29 and beyond. The concept of holistic environmental governance is gaining traction as a means to address biodiversity loss, climate change, disaster risk reduction, food and water security, and public health concerns.

With inputs from WAM