“Biodiversity Is the World's Oldest Information Network:” Razan Al Mubarak

International Day for Biological Diversity

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of IUCN and Managing Director of the MBZ Species Conservation Fund, shared a compelling message ahead of the IUCN World Conservation Congress:

“Today, on the International Day for Biological Diversity, I want to share a powerful perspective: biodiversity is the world's oldest and most sophisticated information network.

Each species represents a unique library of evolutionary wisdom, encoded in DNA refined over millions of years. When we lose a species, we don't just lose a physical entity; we lose an irreplaceable repository of information that took eons to develop.

Nature isn't a luxury—it's our planet's most extensive knowledge system. Within it lies solutions to challenges we're only beginning to face, from water scarcity to efficient resource cycling that wastes nothing.

As President of IUCN, and through initiatives like the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, I'm proud to stand with thousands of conservationists who are protecting this vital information network—species by species, place by place.

This year, we have an extraordinary opportunity ahead: the IUCN World Conservation Congress is coming to Abu Dhabi! It's where global leaders will come together to chart a better course for preserving nature's silent information exchange.

On this International Day for Biological Diversity, let's commit to being active participants in this network. Whether through citizen science, supporting conservation initiatives, or simply connecting with the biodiversity around you—we all have a role in protecting this evolutionary knowledge for generations to come.

I look forward to seeing you at Congress!”

Video: Razan Al Mubarak Talks About Seeking a Second Term as IUCN President

IUCN Presidency

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has been selected as a candidate for a second term. She stated:

“Serving as President of IUCN—the world’s oldest and largest environmental network—has been one of the greatest honours of my life.

Today, I am deeply humbled to have been selected by the IUCN Council and Election Committee as a candidate for a second term. I would be honoured to continue this journey with you.

Over the past four years, with the support of our Council, the leadership of our Director General and Secretariat team, and the dedication of our Members, we have strengthened our Union: advancing a 20-Year Strategic Vision for IUCN, improving governance, and elevating the voice of nature on the global stage.

IUCN was founded to conserve nature and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. Today, the world increasingly recognizes that safeguarding nature is essential—not only for biodiversity itself, but also for human wellbeing, resilience, and the future of our planet.

As we prepare to gather this October at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, we have an important opportunity to shape an even more ambitious path forward.

That is why I am seeking a second term: to help IUCN, together with its Council, Director General, Secretariat, and most importantly, its Members, deepen its impact, strengthen its partnerships, and continue to be the leading global voice for nature at this critical time.

The strength of IUCN lies in its diverse and influential membership, who are uniquely positioned—both globally and locally—to deliver meaningful action for nature and biodiversity where it matters most.

With your support, I am ready to continue this vital work—together—for nature, and for the future we all share.

Thank you.”

IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak Chairs 113th Council Meeting in Gland, Switzerland

IUCN

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) convened its 113th Council meeting at the IUCN Conservation Centre in Gland, Switzerland, from 8 to 9 May 2025, under the leadership of President Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak. This marked a pivotal moment for IUCN as preparations are intensifying for the upcoming World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi in October 2025.

During the two-day meeting, Council members advanced discussions on key institutional priorities and approved several critical documents that will guide the Union’s work in the coming years. Central to the agenda were the final drafts of IUCN’s 20-year strategic vision—Unite for Nature: On the Path to 2045—and the IUCN Programme 2026–2029, both of which will be submitted to Members for adoption at the Congress.

President Al Mubarak emphasized the importance of continuity and collective ambition as IUCN moves toward its landmark Congress:

“The Council plays a critical role in ensuring that IUCN remains fit for purpose—grounded in scientific excellence, responsive to Members, and focused on delivering results for nature and people.”

For more information about IUCN and the 2025 World Conservation Congress, visit iucncongress2025.org.