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As Razan Al Mubarak concludes her tenure as the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, she finds herself humbled and deeply moved by the incredible journey: “Over the past two years, we’ve achieved extraordinary progress together, elevating climate ambition, amplifying the voices of Indigenous Peoples, women, and underrepresented communities, and pushing for transformative solutions.”…

As COP29 Azerbaijan concludes, Razan Al Mubarak reflects on her tenure as UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, a journey that has been both transformative and rewarding: “It has been an honor to serve as a steadfast advocate for aligning global climate and biodiversity goals, and to champion the recognition of Nature-Based Solutions as…

Wrapping up COP29 Azerbaijan, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, had the honor of hosting the Marrakech Partnership Special Event: Informality Roundtable, a follow-up to the dialogue she led at the United Nations’ General Assembly in New York. This event focused on the actions being taken by people living in urban…

At COP29, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, was honored to co-host the Enhancing Inclusive Climate Action: Alliance for Gender-Responsive Climate Finance roundtable at the UAE Pavilion. This pivotal discussion brought together representatives from National Gender and Climate Change Focal Points, intergovernmental organizations, multilateral development banks, philanthropies, civil society, women’s rights…

All through COP29 Azerbaijan, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, has had the privilege of participating in several key discussions focused on enhancing inclusive climate action and strengthening the role of gender-responsive finance in tackling climate change. Ms. Al Mubarak was honored to host the Alliance for Gender-Responsive Climate Finance roundtable…

At COP29 Azerbaijan, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, was honored to meet with an extraordinary delegation of youth climate activists from the Global South, aged 13 to 16, brought together by the Alana Institute through the Children for Nature Program. These passionate advocates shared their Manifesto for Justice for Children,…

As COP29 Azerbaijan enters its final week, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, has been deeply focused on championing the integration of nature into climate action to secure a sustainable future while ensuring that all voices are represented in climate dialogues. Ms. Al Mubarak was honored to deliver the Opening Remarks…

Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, reflects on the impact of the first week of COP29 Azerbaijan, calling it “a powerful demonstration of collaboration, dialogue, and bold action.” Highlights from the week include: Each of these engagements highlights a shared commitment to climate action that is possible, profitable, and popular: “The…

At COP29 Azerbaijan, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, had the privilege of hosting and moderating several key discussions aimed at bridging the distance between all interested parties in effective climate action, as well as driving the momentum for nature finance and private sector investment. The Ambition Loop Dialogue on Finance,…

COP29 Azerbaijan has started in Baku, where Razan Al Mubarak had the opportunity to meet with Party representatives from diverse negotiating groups to champion inclusive and collaborative climate solutions. In her role as UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, engaging in these conversations is critical as it’s in direct dialogue that we connect on…

Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, lead as Master of Ceremonies at the Leaders Protecting Forests for Climate, Lives, and Livelihoods event at COP29 Azerbaijan in Baku. Together with the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership and leaders from across the globe, Ms. Al Mubarak emphasized the crucial role of forests in…

Finance for nature-positive solutions, Indigenous communities, and women are central to the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion’s agenda. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (11 November 2024): As COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, kicked off today, Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, called on delegates to prioritize nature in climate…

At COP28 UAE, the world gathered in Dubai with a shared sense of urgency and purpose, as nearly 200 nations, business leaders, and thought leaders came together to drive meaningful Climate Action. The UAE's vision was clear: we must address the climate crisis head-on, uniting for the betterment of people and the planet. Within the…

Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, leveraged her dual roles to champion effective nature-based solutions at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s COP16 in Colombia, held in Cali. "We must sharpen our focus on the indispensable role of nature in…

During COP16 Colombia, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 Razan Al Mubarak joined the “Securing the Future of Mangroves” event, which focused on showcasing the Mangrove Breakthrough initiative launched last year at COP28 UAE. In her closing remarks, she highlighted the progress and goals driving forward, underscoring the interconnectedness of nature and climate action.…

Nature and climate are undeniably intertwined, and as COP16 Colombia is currently underway in Cali, we must address these twin crises together. In a recent editorial in Economist Impact with Johan Rockström, Razan Al Mubarak emphasizes that there is no net zero without nature.  As our greatest ally in mitigating climate change, nature has absorbed…

At COP16 Colombia, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, had the honor of sharing the opening remarks at the “Linking Sustainable Ocean Plans (SOPs) with the Global Biodiversity Framework” event, organized by CAF, WRI, Ocean Action 2030, High Level Panel and World Economic Forum. This session underscored the critical connections between…

Kicking off the second week at COP16 in Colombia, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, deepens her commitment to ocean and nature conservation, emphasizing the importance of scaling both private and public finance, and championing the critical role of Nature-Based Solutions for a sustainable future. Ms. Al Mubarak was honored to…

Approaching the 2024 UN Biodiversity COP16 Colombia in Cali, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, shares some thoughts on the crucial path ahead: “This year presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the connections between biodiversity, climate, and desertification action. The momentum from COP28 UAE's recognition of nature's role in global solutions…

Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, took part in key initiatives at Climate Week NYC, showcasing the intersection of nature and climate action. Among the highlights, Ms. Al Mubarak introduced the “Scaling Nature Finance Now” report, which underscores investment opportunities in nature-based solutions, particularly in Brazil. She also participated in the…

Amidst the strategic dialogues of Climate Week NYC, the United Arab Emirates and Ghana achieved a significant milestone in international cooperation for climate and biodiversity, solidifying their commitment through a $30 million partnership aimed at supporting Ghana's ambitious biodiversity and climate goals. This agreement, formalized by H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister…

Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, co-hosted Climate Week NYC’s major event  “Indigenous Peoples Direct Access to Finance from COP28 to COP30.” Alongside fellow High-Level Champion Nigar Arpadarai and Minister Sonia Guajajara of Brazil, Ms. Al Mubarak moderated a panel that delved into how Indigenous communities, which steward a quarter of…

During the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the “High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy” launched the “100% Alliance,” a new initiative urging all coastal and ocean states to commit to the sustainable management of all ocean areas under national jurisdiction. The United Arab Emirates joins the Ocean Panel as its 19th member…

Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, recently co-authored an op-ed for Project Syndicate with Bogolo Joy Kenewendo. The article highlights the urgent need for transformative financial strategies to invest in Nature-Based Solutions and prevent the catastrophic breakdown of ecosystems. Using the eThekwini municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, as an inspiring case,…

During Climate Week NYC, IUCN played a key role in the effort to integrate ecosystem preservation into our broader climate goals. On Tuesday, Razan Al Mubarak, President of IUCN, joined Director General Grethel Aguilar for the “Annual Meeting of the Patrons of Nature,” an initiative that has rallied global leaders to support nature conservation since…

At Climate Week NYC, Razan Al Mubarak delivered the opening remarks at the UNEZA (Utilities for Net Zero Alliance) event “Accelerating Large Energy Grid Projects”, where 39 partners, including 32 of the world’s leading utilities and energy companies, committed to investing over US $116 billion annually in clean power generation and grid infrastructure to accelerate…

Razan Al Mubarak kicked off Climate Week NYC with the flagship event “Capital Mobilization for Nature: Towards a Nature Positive Economy,” a fireside chat with Mary Schapiro, Vice-Chair of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) and Cristina Reis, Vice Secretary of Economic Development and Sustainability, Brazil. At the event, the High-Level Climate Champions, along…

Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 UAE, and Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP27 in Egypt, recently co-authored an op-ed underlining the importance of aligning finance and investment to protect, restore and sustainably manage nature for a secure future for all. The article tackles both the topic of…

At the recent G20 meeting, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak addressed the transformative potential of the Bioeconomy Initiative, emphasizing its alignment with the global sustainability agenda. This initiative is a testament to the ongoing efforts to integrate the Rio Conventions—on climate, desertification, and biodiversity—into a coherent strategy that supports sustainable development. During her address, Ms. Al…

Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has inaugurated the 10th Regional Conservation Forum for West Asia in Riyadh, setting a transformative agenda for environmental conservation. The forum, which runs until September 11, has drawn over 350 participants from IUCN member organizations, government bodies, and international…

On September 2, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak delivered the opening remarks at the IUCN Asia Regional Conservation Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, through a pre-recorded message. This forum served as a precursor to the 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, providing a forum for IUCN Members policymakers to prepare for the Congress, and help shape…

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (20 August 2024) — Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), recently led the opening remarks at the IUCN USA Regional Conservation Forum in Washington, DC. The event, hosted at Conservation International in Arlington, brought together US-based IUCN members and partners…

A new editorial by Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund, and Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, published by Thomson Reuters on August 9, highlights the vital role Indigenous Peoples play in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Representing only 5% of the world's population, Indigenous communities manage…

On the 42nd International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 and IUCN President, has released a video that celebrates the collaborative achievements with Indigenous communities in our global climate efforts. In the video, Al Mubarak highlights the essential roles of Indigenous Peoples recognized at…

In observance of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 and President of the IUCN, has released a video highlighting the importance of mangrove ecosystems. The video emphasizes the alarming findings of a recent IUCN study, which predicts that over half…

Ms. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), delivered a powerful keynote speech at the Africa Conservation Forum in Nairobi, Kenya. Addressing over 500 representatives, including government officials, civil society members, and indigenous peoples’ organizations, Ms. Al Mubarak emphasized the essential role of inclusive conservation and the integration…

Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was honored with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Glasgow. This honorary degree recognizes her significant contributions to environmental conservation and the humanities. The ceremony was held at the university’s Dumfries campus during the graduation of the School of Social…

We are pleased to announce that Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has been appointed as the Co-Chair of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). This significant appointment marks a notable advancement in her continuing dedication to environmental and financial sustainability on a global…

In an editorial published in The National, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, emphasized the significant role that cities play in addressing global climate change. She highlighted findings from a recent study unveiled at the Bonn Climate Change Conference, which showed that despite their contributions to greenhouse gas emissions,…

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak addressed global urban leaders through a pre-recorded message at the ICLEI World Congress 2024, emphasizing the critical role of cities in addressing climate change. Cities are responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, placing them at the center of climate action strategies. At the congress, Razan highlighted…

Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP 28, recently featured on Badr Jafar's podcast, "The Business of Philanthropy." During the insightful discussion, she emphasized the transformative role of philanthropy in addressing complex global challenges, particularly in climate change and biodiversity…

Dubai, June 12, 2024 – The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP) celebrated its 20th anniversary with the release of 63 rehabilitated turtles back into the ocean. This event marks a significant commitment to marine life and emphasizes the role of corporate responsibility and multilevel partnerships in environmental care. The celebration included a panel discussion featuring…

At the second annual MENA Oceans Summit in Dubai, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion and President of IUCN, emphasized the essential role of oceans in sustaining environmental health and climate resilience. The summit convened key leaders to push forward ocean conservation efforts in the Middle East and North Africa. In her…

In a recent editorial published in The National on June 7th, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 and President of IUCN, highlighted the vital role of oceans in combating climate change. She emphasized, "The ocean is truly the 'lungs' of the earth, absorbing a quarter of all carbon dioxide emissions…

On World Oceans Day, we recognize the profound significance of the oceans in our global climate system and their essential role in sustaining life on Earth. Covering over 70% of our planet’s surface, oceans are pivotal in regulating the global climate and supporting biodiversity. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28…

On World Environment Day at the Bonn Climate Conference, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, emphasized the urgency of nature conservation and restoration in her speech at the Bonn Climate Conference. Highlighting the necessity of an equitable, net-zero, and nature-positive future, she underscored the foundational role of the UAE…

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak recently published a compelling editorial on the World Economic Forum website in observance of World Environment Day. In her article, Ms. Al Mubarak discusses the ecological and economic imperatives of investing in natural capital, highlighting the crucial role such investments play in sustainable development. The editorial reviews the strides made at…

World Environment Day draws global attention to the pressing issues of land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, underscoring their critical impact on ecosystems and human welfare. About a quarter of the Earth’s surface is degraded, affecting over a billion people worldwide. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 and President of…

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (3 June 2024) - Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, is campaigning for an equitable, net-zero, resilient and nature-positive world at the Bonn Climate Change Conference this week. The ten-day event which starts in the German city today is an important halfway…

On the International Day for Biological Diversity, Razan Al Mubarak, IUCN President and UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, emphasized the interconnectedness of biodiversity and climate change in her recent editorial in The National. Highlighting the critical role of ecosystems in providing essential services, from pollination and water filtration to carbon storage, she calls…

Razan Al Mubarak, President of the IUCN and UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, shared a recorded message with participants at the inaugural Brazil Climate Investment Summit. Her remarks underscored the urgent need to accelerate investment in nature-based solutions (NbS) to address the interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. In her address,…

In recognition of the International Day for Biological Diversity, Razan Al Mubarak delivered a powerful message underscoring the importance of global collaboration to protect our planet's biodiversity. As President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, she highlighted the significance of the day's theme, "Be…

This week, Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is leading the 111th IUCN Council Meeting in Gland, Switzerland. The meeting focuses on critical strategic initiatives that will shape the future of conservation efforts globally. In collaboration with IUCN members, the council is discussing the IUCN’s 20-year strategic vision,…

During the inaugural World Species Congress, Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), delivered an inspiring address to a global audience of policymakers, scientists, and conservationists. She underscored the significance of uniting to tackle biodiversity loss through the ambitious Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Ms. Al Mubarak emphasized the Species…

In their recent editorial published in Project Syndicate, Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Joseph Nganga, Interim CEO of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, discuss the transformative power of clean cooking technologies. With the IEA’s Africa Clean Cooking Summit in Paris concluded in May…

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has generously contributed US$40 million to the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. This contribution will raise the Fund's endowment to over US$70 million by 2028, highlighting the UAE's firm dedication to global biodiversity conservation. Founded in 2009 by His Highness, the Fund…

In her recent editorial for The National on Earth Day and International Mother Earth Day, Razan Al Mubarak emphasized the need to prioritize nature in global climate action. Drawing on the outcomes of COP28, she underscored the importance of a unified, nature-centric approach to meet the ambitious goals set during the conference. Al Mubarak highlighted…

Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High Level Champion for COP28, shared her thoughts on how cities can contribute to solving the climate challenge during an appearance at the Sustainable Cities in Action Forum 2024. Held on 5 March at Expo City Dubai, the event brought under one roof urban planners, architects, city…

Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, has given a keynote address on 3 March 2024 at the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi. In her speech, Ms. Al Mubarak, who is also President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, reflected on the theme of the annual global cultural…

In a recent piece written on the occasion of the Cultural Summit 2024, held in Abu Dhabi, H. E. Razan Al Mubarak reflected on the role of cultural institutions in shifting public perceptions on climate and nature and boosting actions to address climate change and biodiversity loss. Ms. Al Mubarak, who is President of the…