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Razan Al Mubarak
Uniting for Nature, Climate, and People
Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak is a global leader in conservation and climate action, serving as President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and spearheading efforts to integrate nature into global climate strategies.
About Razan Al Mubarak
Decades of Steadfast Work for Nature
For more than two decades, Razan has been a driving force in shaping the United Arab Emirates’ sustainability agenda, championing environmental policies, species conservation, and climate action across West Asia and globally.
She is the Executive Managing Director of The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZ Fund), one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations supporting direct species conservation, funding over 3,000 projects in nearly every country.
Within the UAE, Razan is the Managing Director of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), where she oversees the emirate’s biodiversity and environmental protection policies. She is also the Managing Director of Emirates Nature-WWF, which she helped establish as the UAE’s affiliate of WWF. Recently, she also served as UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 UAE, where she played a key role in elevating nature’s role in global climate action.
Internationally, Razan is the UAE Sherpa for the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, a global initiative promoting sustainable ocean management. She is also Co-Chairperson of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), leading efforts to integrate nature-related risks and opportunities into financial decision-making.
Additionally, she serves as Nature Champion at the World Economic Forum (WEF), playing a key role in advancing nature-positive economic policies. She also contributes to global conservation efforts as a board member of Panthera, Re:wild, and the Tropical Forests Forever Facility.
She holds an MSc in Public Understanding of Environmental Change from University College London (UCL), UK. She also holds a BA (Hons) in Environmental Studies and International Relations from Tufts University, USA.
Summary of Achievements
As President of IUCN, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak has brought renewed vision, inclusivity, and energy to the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. Her leadership has been marked by strategic alignment, stronger Member engagement, and global advocacy for nature’s role in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
Elevating Nature in the Global Climate Agenda
- Strengthened IUCN’s influence in international processes by ensuring biodiversity and nature-based solutions were recognized as essential to the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement.
- Established the IUCN Climate Crisis Commission, institutionalizing IUCN’s commitment to climate action through science, community leadership, and nature-based solutions.
- Promoted coherence across the Rio Conventions, advancing IUCN’s role as a unifying platform for climate, biodiversity, and land agendas.
Integrating Diverse Voices in Conservation
- Championed the leadership of Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and local communities—those most connected to biodiversity and most affected by its loss.
- Promoted inclusive policy spaces that reflect the knowledge, rights, and leadership of underrepresented voices, while supporting efforts to shift resources and decision-making power to the frontlines of conservation.
Delivering a Long-Term Strategic Vision for the Union
- Led the development of IUCN’s first-ever 20-Year Strategic Vision, charting the Union’s direction across conservation, climate resilience, and equity.
- Oversaw the creation of the 2026–2029 Programme of Work, translating strategic goals into a clear, actionable roadmap.
Strengthening Governance and Institutional Cohesion
- Reinforced collaboration across the Council, Secretariat, Commissions, and Members—rebuilding trust through inclusive and transparent decision-making.
- Promoted regional inclusion by hosting Council meetings in diverse global locations.
Enhancing Member Value and Engagement
- Supported efforts to retain and grow State membership while promoting a more equitable global presence.
- Deepened the One Programme approach, positioning Members at the heart of policy, conservation delivery, and mission advancement.
Laying the Groundwork for Innovation and Future Impact
- Proposed an IUCN-led global stocktake for nature to assess progress under the Global Biodiversity Framework and shape the post-2030 agenda.
- Launched planning for a pre-Congress summit on innovation and technology to guide the responsible use of emerging tools—such as artificial intelligence—in service of conservation.
- Advanced the integration of science, data, and Indigenous knowledge systems as pillars of IUCN’s credibility and impact.
International Leadership
President, International Union for the Conservation of Nature
Razan spearheads efforts to integrate nature into global climate strategies. She is the second woman to lead the organization and the first president from West Asia.
Managing Director, Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund
One of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations supporting direct species conservation, funding over 3,000 projects in nearly every country.
High-Level Climate Champion, COP28 UAE
Razan played a key role in elevating nature’s role in global climate action, advocating for Indigenous Peoples and inclusion at COP28 In the United Arab Emirates.
UAE Sherpa, Ocean Panel
Ocean Panel is a global initiative promoting sustainable ocean management. The United Aarab Emirates is a part of a consortium of 19 countries.
Managing Director, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
The largest environmental regulator in the Middle East. Oversees air quality, marine water quality, fisheries, industrial regulation, protected areas and species conservation.
Chairperson, Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
Razan leads efforts to integrate nature-related risks and opportunities into financial decision-making, helping market participants manage their nature-related issues.
Managing Director, Emirates Nature – World Wildlife Fund
The first WWF office in the Middle East, a non-profit organisation and an environmental federal charity which Razan helped establish as the UAE’s affiliate of WWF.
Nature Champion, World Economic Forum
Razan plays a key role in advancing nature-positive economic policies in mainstream nature in business decision-making.
Board Member, Re-WILD
Re-WILD partners with 200+ local entities, Indigenous Peoples, influential personalities and more on conservation efforts.
Panel Member, IAPB
The International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits facilitates development of high-integrity biodiversity credit markets.
Chairperson, ICBA
The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture develops policies and strategies for food security in resource-poor settings.
Board Member, WiSER
The Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy Initiative promotes women's participation in sustainability sectors.
Steering Committee Member, TFFF
The Tropical Forests Forever Facility provides technical and political steers and inputs on the development of the Facility.
Board Member, Panthera
Panthera contributes to the protection of 40 species of wild cats in more than 35 countries through research, species recovery, and community collaboration.
Minister, FCLP
The Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership provides high-profile platform for leadership on forests and climate.
Strategic Vision for a Stronger IUCN
Seeking a second term as IUCN President, Razan Al Mubarak remains committed to a Union that is strategic, inclusive, and effective — delivering impact for nature and people through a vision shaped by six priorities.