IUCN World Conservation Congress Concludes in Abu Dhabi with a Bold Vision for Nature’s Future
The IUCN World Conservation Congress concluded in Abu Dhabi, marking a historic moment in global conservation leadership and setting the vision for nature protection over the next two decades. Hosted for the first time in the United Arab Emirates under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the Congress brought together a diverse coalition of global changemakers committed to building a just, resilient, and nature-positive future.
A Global Gathering for the Planet
More than 10,000 participants joined the 2025 Congress — both on-site and online — representing governments, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The event also made history as the first-ever IUCN Congress to host a World Summit of Indigenous Peoples and Nature, reflecting the growing recognition of Indigenous leadership in environmental stewardship.
Over the course of more than 1,000 sessions, delegates debated, co-created, and shaped the international conservation and sustainable development agenda for the decades ahead.
A 20-Year Strategic Vision
Members approved IUCN’s 20-year Strategic Vision and a new four-year programme focused on accelerating action to address biodiversity loss and climate change. Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak was re-elected as President of the Union, alongside newly appointed members of the IUCN Council and Commissions.
“Ours is not an easy task, but it is an essential one: to bridge divides — between science and policy, between climate and biodiversity, between people and the planet itself,” said H.E. Razan Al Mubarak. “Nature is not only a victim of our excesses, but a powerful ally in our survival. Let us leave Abu Dhabi united by our shared belief in the resilience of life itself.”
A Call for Ambition and Unity
With five years remaining to meet the 2030 global targets outlined in the Global Biodiversity Framework, the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Congress called for urgent, coordinated, and transformative action.
Dr. Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General, emphasized the spirit of collaboration:
This Congress has been a testament to the power of teamwork and commitment. From Abu Dhabi, we send a clear message — we are one Union determined to turn the tide. Let us stand for life, act for nature, and build a future where people and planet thrive together.
Delegates urged stronger synergies between multilateral environmental agreements and bold steps toward a net-zero, nature-positive future at UNFCCC COP30 in Belém and beyond.
Key Outcomes and Announcements
Among the 148 Resolutions adopted by IUCN Members were the first-ever policy on synthetic biology and nature conservation, as well as motions aimed at strengthening governance, justice, and inclusion across conservation sectors.
The Abu Dhabi Action Plan, unveiled during the closing session, calls on the global community to accelerate progress across five priorities:
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Reaffirming nature as the foundation of human well-being
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Strengthening multilateral cooperation
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Advancing equity, justice, and inclusion
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Fostering innovation and scientific knowledge
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Scaling up financing for nature and climate action
The plan outlines a roadmap for uniting governments, businesses, and communities in achieving a sustainable balance between people and the planet.
New Members and Global Initiatives
IUCN welcomed over 100 new Members, including six new state members: Armenia, Tajikistan, Marshall Islands, Gabon, Tuvalu, and Zimbabwe, and four national committees: Madagascar, Philippines, Egypt, and Albania
Several new initiatives were also announced, including the selection of the Republic of Panamá as host for the next IUCN World Protected and Conserved Areas Congress, scheduled for September 2027 — the world’s leading forum for advancing conservation in protected areas.
The Abu Dhabi Congress was also certified under the ISO 20121:2024 Sustainable Events Standard, recognizing its strong commitment to sustainability and responsible event management.
Science at the Heart of Conservation
Major scientific updates were revealed during the Congress:
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The latest IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ showed increasing threats to Arctic seals due to climate change.
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A new assessment has identified nearly 100 additional wild bee species in Europe that are now classified as threatened.
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IUCN launched the 4th World Heritage Outlook report, highlighting that 43% of natural World Heritage sites are under threat from climate change.
These findings underscore the urgent need for collective global action to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems.
As the Congress concluded, delegates left Abu Dhabi with renewed determination — united by a shared purpose to protect life on Earth. The next two decades, guided by IUCN’s Strategic Vision, will focus on building a world where people and nature thrive together, and where conservation is not only a moral duty but a foundation for global peace, prosperity, and resilience.
IUCN World Conservation Congress Concludes in Abu Dhabi with a Bold Vision for Nature’s Future
