Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates is gearing up to host the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, a significant international event aimed at paving the way for a nature-positive future. Co-hosted by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), the congress will emphasize the UAE's conservation legacy and its commitment to science-based solutions for biodiversity.
According to Emirates News Agency, the press conference held at Atheer Studio on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi was attended by local and international media, where key speakers discussed the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the urgency for joint action. The speakers highlighted the UAE's vital role in nature conservation and environmental protection, showcasing the nation's enduring commitment to building a sustainable future for both people and nature.
Scheduled for 9-15 October, the congress will bring together ministers, scientists, indigenous leaders, youth, civil society, and the private sector, creating one of the largest forums dedicated to nature. In alignment with the 2030 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and global climate goals, the congress anticipates launching critical initiatives and influencing the international policy agenda.
The UAE's role as host reflects its over five-decade-long commitment to environmental stewardship, inspired by the vision of its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The nation is a global leader in species protection, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable innovation, with ambitious projects like the restoration of 100 million mangroves by 2030 and the deployment of advanced climate-tech platforms.
The congress programme will respond to the urgency of addressing biodiversity loss and sustainable development issues. Key announcements will include updates to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a new European Red List focusing on pollinators, and the latest IUCN World Heritage Outlook. Prestigious conservation awards will be presented, and IUCN members will gather for the Members' Assembly to vote on over 200 motions that will guide global conservation efforts.
Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi of MOCCAE emphasized the UAE's profound commitment to nature, rooted in the understanding that prosperity is linked to environmental health. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri of EAD noted the congress as a pivotal opportunity to transform commitments into tangible actions, advocating for international cooperation to ensure a thriving planet.
Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN's Director General, highlighted the UAE as a platform for science-based solutions powered by community engagement. The congress is seen as a turning point for scaling nature-based solutions and accelerating the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Notable speakers include UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak, and other international environmental leaders. The discussions will inspire the next generation of global environmental leaders.
The UAE will showcase its initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on projects like blue carbon and mangrove restoration, marine science, and sustainable fisheries management. The UAE Pavilion will highlight the nation's conservation journey, featuring pathways to nature-positive economies and transformative biodiversity partnerships.
Central to the congress will be the Members' Assembly, where over 1,400 IUCN member organisations will debate and adopt motions impacting international policy and collective action. High-level summits will address key themes linking climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development, highlighting the UAE's role as a consensus-builder and solution-provider.
As international delegates gather in the UAE for this landmark event, the congress will underscore the importance of collective action for nature, setting the stage for a decade of accelerated solutions to ensure planetary health and future generations' wellbeing.