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 Survival Commission’s remarkable initiatives that focus on reintroducing species into their native habitats, restoring degraded ecosystems, and advancing sustainable use practices. These initiatives play an essential role in achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework targets while aligning with the Paris Agreement's climate action goals.

Recent environmental governance milestones she highlighted included:

• The unanimous adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework
• The landmark agreement on the High Seas Treaty
• Key commitments at COP28, including halting deforestation by 2030 and pledging $2.7 billion to conserve forests and coastal ecosystems

Ms. Al Mubarak reaffirmed IUCN's steadfast commitment to amplifying these global agreements. She emphasized that conservation efforts are not limited to protected areas but must be embedded into broader national and international policies to have a lasting impact.

The upcoming Rio Conventions, IUCN Regional Conservation Forums, and the Species Survival Commission Leader's Meeting in Abu Dhabi offer critical opportunities to refine strategies and strengthen global responses to biodiversity and climate challenges.

In her closing remarks, she invited everyone to the IUCN 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi to celebrate progress and continue the collaborative journey toward a world living in harmony with nature.