(MENAFN- Mid-East Info)

• IUCN members convene to shape the future of nature conservation
• International agreements signed on the first day to accelerate biodiversity support efforts
• Sessions held to discuss international policies and enhance efforts to achieve 2030 biodiversity goals

Abu Dhabi, October 2025: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 commenced yesterday in Abu Dhabi, under the theme 'Powering Transformative Conservation'.

The opening ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The event convenes leading government entities, scientists, business leaders, representatives of indigenous peoples, and civil society to formulate global solutions for the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Hosting the Congress reflects the UAE's steadfast commitment to advancing global action in nature conservation. The event is jointly organised by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), running until 15 October, with participation from more than 10,000 international delegates. The Congress aims to drive progress toward the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework goals and meet the 2030 deadlines for climate and nature.

A number of global conservation leaders present at the opening ceremony included His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, Chair of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection; Prince Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Regent of Pahang; Dr Sylvia Earle, IUCN Patron of Nature and Founder of Mission Blue; His Excellency Juan Carlos Navarro, Panama's Minister of Environment; Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UNEP; and Dr Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention. Their remarks underscored the urgency of collective action to protect ecosystems and advance the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Bringing together significant voices to the global stage, Dr Grethel Aguilar, the Director General of the IUCN, moderated a panel discussion on 'Ushering in a new era of nature – conservation multilateralism'. Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Juan Carlos Navarro, Minister of Environment, Panama, Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of UNEP, and Dr Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands, agreed that Government policy and cross-border collaboration was the way forward, and environmental stewardship should be encouraged at an individual level.

A highlight of the Congress is the IUCN Members' Assembly, which began today, featuring discussions on over 200 motions, involving more than 1,400 members. These motions address issues such as expanding ocean protection, strengthening climate-resilient food systems, recognising Indigenous Peoples' rights, and adopting new biodiversity financing mechanisms. Once adopted, these motions will become guidelines for international nature conservation law, influencing national policy frameworks and setting global funding priorities for the coming decade.

Day One also launched the Forum programme, where five thematic plenaries explored urgent questions of climate overshoot, inclusive conservation, disruptive innovation, and the transition to nature-positive economies. These discussions underscored that reversing biodiversity loss is inseparable from building economic resilience, food and water security, and global health.

Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE), stated:“Every day, the UAE affirms its pioneering role as a global driver of innovative solutions and comprehensive sustainability for all peoples. This approach is embodied in hosting the IUCN World Conservation Congress, a milestone event in global efforts to place nature at the heart of our development systems and achieve greater prosperity. Supported by wise leadership, the UAE has a distinguished record in nature protection, reflecting a deep-rooted legacy of the Emirati people's relationship with their environment, which continues today through the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031. This strategy aims to promote nature-based solutions, restore ecosystems, protect endangered species, and expand nature reserves, which now cover more than 15% of the country.”

Her Excellency added:“The UAE extends its hand to the world for the sustainability of Earth's resources, maintaining a balance between humanity and the planet. We have made significant contributions globally, spreading nature-based solutions, protecting rivers, sustaining water resources, promoting renewable energy, and advancing climate action and global food security. Through the IUCN World Conservation Congress, we continue this approach with a vision for a thriving planet and ecosystems, benefiting humanity and future generations.”

The Congress provides an ideal platform to turn ambitions into tangible reality. The UAE is proud to host this international event, which advances progress towards global biodiversity goals and the 2030 deadlines. Today's Members' Assembly discussions and international agreements demonstrate that nature conservation is fundamental to sustainable economies, resilient societies, and the well-being of future generations.

Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of IUCN, said:“This Congress is a reminder that the wellbeing of people and the wellbeing of nature are inseparable. We understand more than ever how deeply our lives depend on the natural world, yet, we continue to act as if we are apart from it. Here in Abu Dhabi, we have the chance to turn understanding into unity, and unity into action. The decisions taken this week will determine whether we meet the moment with courage and cooperation. If we succeed, this Congress will show that science, inclusion, and shared purpose can still guide humanity toward a future where both people and nature thrive.”

Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), added:“Hosting this Congress in Abu Dhabi is both a privilege and a responsibility. The UAE's journey shows how science, innovation, and international cooperation can transform challenges into shared victories - from restoring more than 4 million corals and planting 50 million mangroves, to reintroducing the Arabian Oryx and leading global efforts to bring the Scimitar-horned Oryx back from extinction in the wild. These are not just national milestones, but models of collaboration that the world can replicate. As we open the Congress, our message is clear: conservation succeeds when ambition is matched by evidence-based action and global partnership.”

At the heart of the Congress venue, the UAE Pavilion stands as a living showcase of the nation's enduring bond with nature, blending science, tradition, and innovation to tell the UAE's conservation story. Designed using sustainable, locally inspired materials such as palm-based composites, desert board and date fibre, the Pavilion embodies the country's circular-economy principles. Inside, visitors experience, interactive storytelling connects ancestral wisdom with cutting-edge research on blue carbon, marine conservation, and species reintroduction. Across its thematic zones – from Scaling Up Resilient Conservation Action to Delivering on Equity – the Pavilion offers a space for collaboration, learning, and inspiration, reflecting the UAE's ethos that progress and stewardship go hand in hand.

The UAE's participation at the Congress underscores its leadership in global conservation diplomacy. Emirati experts, youth delegates, and partner organisations are engaging in sessions on climate-resilient ecosystems, marine protection, and biodiversity financing. Led by MOCCAE and the EAD, the host nation is showcasing national achievements such as milestone restoration projects, advances in blue-carbon research, and the rewilding of iconic desert species. Together, these efforts demonstrate how the UAE links ecological restoration with economic opportunity and invites the world to unite with nature for the wellbeing of all forms of life.

The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 features the Members' Assembly, high-level summits, and hundreds of scientific and policy sessions, serving as a pivotal platform for advancing actionable joint solutions to protect biodiversity, stabilise the climate, and ensure a bright future for generations to come.

About the IUCN World Conservation Congress:

Held every four years, the IUCN World Conservation Congress is one of the largest gatherings of nature conservation experts, leaders and decision-makers from government, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, business, and academia in the world. The event is the democratic forum for the global conservation community to express its views and decide and act on the latest in conservation science, practice and policy – shaping the global conservation and sustainable development agendas for decades to come. Congress is also one of the largest marketplaces for scientists, policy experts, business leaders and professionals from around the globe to share their experience, expertise, and latest research.

About MOCCAE:

Since its founding, the United Arab Emirates has prioritised agriculture and food security as fundamental elements of its environmental and development agenda. In 1972, the UAE established the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to promote and protect agricultural, livestock, and fisheries resources, thereby enhancing the nation's food security. In February 2006, the responsibilities of this ministry were transferred to the newly formed Ministry of Environment and Water, which assumed all its functions and was additionally tasked with the preservation and development of the UAE's natural environment. In February 2016, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment following a ministerial restructuring, reflecting the expansion of its mandate to include climate change-related responsibilities.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment leads the UAE's efforts in confronting climate change by promoting adaptation strategies, reducing emissions, and transforming key sectors in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Its goal is to achieve the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 target while fulfilling the nation's international climate and environmental commitments.

Additionally, the Ministry fosters global partnerships and cooperation initiatives to advance collective climate and environmental action. The Ministry's vision is to fulfil the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy, positioning the UAE as the top nation in the Global Food Security Index by 2051. This goal is being pursued through the advancement of modern agriculture, support for farmers, optimised use of livestock and fisheries resources to enhance local food production, and the transition towards sustainable, climate-smart food systems. The Ministry advances climate and environmental sustainability in the UAE by developing innovative policies and legislation that promote the adoption of modern technologies across various related sectors.

The Ministry is actively working to protect biodiversity and conserve natural ecosystems by implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, while also addressing land degradation by executing the National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2030. The Ministry is committed to strengthening biosecurity, promoting the circular economy, and fostering sustainable communities in the UAE. It also seeks to engage the business sector, private enterprises, and the wider community-including UAE nationals and residents-in advancing the nation's vision of a sustainable future for all.

About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD:

Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.

About IUCN:

IUCN is a membership Union composed of both government and civil society organisations. It harnesses the experience, resources and reach of its more than 1,400 Member organisations and the input of more than 17,000 experts. IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.

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