Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the IUCN World Conservation Congress will be hosted for the first time in the GCC region, in the UAE in Abu Dhabi. Organised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the environmental event will take place from 9-15 October 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
The UAE President’s patronage of the IUCN Congress confirms the UAE’s interest in protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity as an essential part of its vision for a sustainable future, in line with His Highness’s directives. The UAE’s hosting of the IUCN World Conservation Congress reflects its commitment to supporting international environmental dialogues and initiatives, providing a global platform that gathers leaders, experts, and decision-makers to collaborate on effective solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges, while further enhancing the UAE’s leadership position in nature and biodiversity conservation, and species protection.
The UAE was awarded the opportunity to host the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi following a comprehensive review process conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Council in 2023. The successful bid was submitted by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), in collaboration with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). Subsequently, MOCCAE signed the Host Country Agreement on behalf of the UAE Government.
The IUCN Congress is expected to attract in excess of 10,000 participants from more than 160 countries around the world, including government leaders, environmental specialists, scientists, and experts.
Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “The UAE’s hosting of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, solidifies the nation’s position as a global hub for dialogue and action in addressing the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world today. This event underscores the UAE’s ongoing commitment and significant contribution to environmental protection and sustainability. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment will play an active role in the congress, driving forward the UAE’s commitment to climate action and environmental sustainability, thereby shaping the future of our planet. Protecting our natural ecosystems – both on land and at sea – is of utmost importance to the UAE. As leaders in sustainable and inclusive climate action, we are pioneering innovative programmes and initiatives to protect our precious natural resources, not only within our borders but at both the regional and global levels.
“The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is honoured to support the upcoming IUCN Congress. It will play a pivotal role in shaping global policy on nature conservation and, crucially, in fostering the collective efforts needed to achieve our shared climate goals.”
Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, President of IUCN and Managing Director of EAD, said: “Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the country has demonstrated global leadership—from making nature central to the success of COP28 to now hosting the IUCN World Conservation Congress, the UAE has long recognised that climate action and nature conservation must go hand in hand. This Congress will be a defining moment to build on that momentum, bringing together the world’s leading voices in conservation to accelerate nature-based solutions, strengthen biodiversity, and enhance resilience. The UAE’s role in shaping global environmental action continues to grow, and Abu Dhabi will provide a critical platform to forge the partnerships and commitments needed to secure a more sustainable future.
Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: “The selection of the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi to host the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2025 underscores the UAE’s role as a driving force in global efforts to protect the environment and preserve nature.”
Dr Shaikha added: “The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi is dedicated to delivering a truly impactful and inclusive Congress that extends beyond regional boundaries on a global scale. The Congress will serve as a platform to discuss and develop a global agenda for conserving biodiversity and as a commitment to preserving nature, which is fast becoming a priority for all governments in the world. The IUCN Congress will be a wonderful opportunity for the region to showcase conservation actions and the unique challenges it faces, and learn from world experts. Building on the legacy of Marseille, we will amplify this platform through our conservation success stories, especially in species restoration, and foster collaboration among governments, NGOs, the private sector, indigenous groups, and IUCN members worldwide.”
Dr Grethel Aguilar, Director-General of IUCN, said: “IUCN would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the UAE. We are grateful for the support and are looking forward to delivering the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 together in the UAE in Abu Dhabi.
“The IUCN Congress is the largest gathering of governments, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and experts around the world united by one purpose: to achieve a just world that values and conserves nature. Our planet is at a crossroads and facing unprecedented challenges. In this critical moment, the congress will allow IUCN and the global community to come together to make a real impact, and work towards our shared goal of protecting this precious planet that provides for us. We look forward to bringing together changemakers and leaders in Abu Dhabi, and to be inspired by the rich and unique culture and biodiversity of the region.”
Held once every four years, the IUCN World Conservation Congress brings together several thousand leaders and decision-makers from government, civil society, business, and academia. It is the highest decision-making body of the union, where accredited delegates from IUCN members convene. One of its key mandates is the election of the next term’s President, Treasurer, Regional Councillors, and Chairs of Commissions, who will comprise the IUCN Council.
IUCN has more 1,400 member organisations including states and government agencies at the national and subnational levels, a diverse range of NGOs, indigenous peoples’ organisations, scientific and academic institutions, and business associations.
The UAE has full IUCN membership. The MOCCAE is a state member, while the Mohamed Bin Zayed Conservation Fund, Emirates Environment Group and Emirates Nature-WWF are NGO members. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Desert Conservation Centre (DDCR), International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) and Al Ain Zoo are government members – with all the aforementioned members making up the UAE IUCN National Committee, chaired by Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, who is also the Regional Councillor for IUCN in West Asia.